The messaging app Signal, known for its high level of encryption, has been blocked in Russia. This decision was made by Roskomnadzor due to alleged violations of Russian legislation aimed at preventing the use of the app for terrorist and extremist purposes.
Problems with Signal in Russia began on August 9, when hundreds of users reported issues accessing the app without a VPN.
In parallel, the video hosting service RuTube, which the Russian government promotes as an alternative to YouTube, has disappeared from the App Store. The platform's administration links this to the impact of U.S. sanctions, which have complicated user access to the mobile app.
Previously, Russian providers, following government directives, reduced the video playback speed on YouTube, effectively making the platform inaccessible for many users.
Alongside these restrictions, the Russian government is actively promoting the development of its own digital platforms. For example, the Kremlin-controlled corporation VK is developing a new messenger intended to replace WhatsApp. The Kremlin may close access to this popular messenger following Signal.
These actions by the Russian authorities could be part of a broader campaign to restrict access to independent information and create a so-called "Runet" – an isolated segment of the internet under state control.
