Russia and Venezuela have respectively blocked access to the encrypted messaging app Signal.
The Russian state-run information service has disclosed details about a reported block on the Signal messaging app within Russia. Russia’s telecoms regulator, Roskomnadzor, blocked the app due to violations of Russian laws deemed essential to prevent its use for terrorist or extremist purposes, according to official reports.
Russian authorities have imposed restrictions on access to Signal, a popular messaging app, by limiting entry for most internet service providers. NetBlocks notes that the app remains usable if users enable “censorship circumvention” in its settings, allowing those previously blocked to regain access to their messages across all regions.
Disruptions to internet services in Venezuela unfolded against the backdrop of a contentious presidential election outcome in late July, casting a long shadow over the already tumultuous political landscape. In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council (CNE) proclaimed President Nicolás Maduro the victor without releasing evidence to support the claim, prompting both opposition and pro-Maduro factions to protest, amidst concerns about transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
As a purported tactic to stifle opposing viewpoints, various platforms have reportedly implemented restrictions on new account creation on select social media applications. Earlier this month, Twitter temporarily suspended the account of entrepreneur Elon Musk’s personal Twitter handle for 10 days, citing that he had incited hatred and “violated” the platform’s guidelines. Additionally, reports emerged of a widespread “YouTube mass outage” in Russia on Thursday.
