The Russian telecoms watchdog Roskomnadzor has blocked the Viber online messaging service in Russia for failure to comply with Russian regulation, according to the watchdog, Interfax reports.
"Access to the Viber service has been restricted due to failure to comply with requirements under the Russian law applying to the organizers of disseminating information, compliance with which is necessary to prevent any threats associated with the messenger being used for terrorist and extremist purposes or for recruiting citizens to commit those or to sell drugs, and also due to publication of illicit information," Roskomnadzor said in a statement on Friday.