The Zello radio communication app has become the latest to be banned by Russian authorities.
On Sunday, Russia’s Federal Supervisory Service for Telecommunications, Information Technology and Mass Communications, also known as Roskomnadzor, announced that they are banning Zello for spreading “misinformation” about the invasion of Ukraine.
“On March 4, Roskomnadzor, based on a decision, sent to the management of the US Internet resources Zello a request to stop sending messages to users containing false information about the course of special operations of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation. page of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine,” Roskomnadzor said in a translated statement.
“The management of Zello’s Internet resources does not comply with the requirements of Roskomnadzor within the period prescribed by law. Due to the failure of the authorities of Zello to comply with the requirements of Roskomnadzor, access this application in the territory of the Russian Federation Links will be limited to 24 hours.”
On Friday, Roskomnadzor announced that it will block access to Facebook, accusing the American social media giant of discriminating against Russian media and information sources. Early last week, Facebook says it will be “downgrade” content from Russian state-backed media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as part of the many efforts made in connection with the recent invasion of Ukraine.
Nick Clegg, Facebook’s president of global affairs and former deputy prime minister of the United Kingdom, said the Russian government has Regulatory Facebook and Instagram to make it difficult for Russian citizens to view certain content.
Since Russia began its invasion in February, some technology companies as Google, Microsoft and Apple has taken punitive actions against Russia, banning services or terminating business in the country.
Emsisoft threat analyst Brett Callow notes that Russia has blocked the BBC and many other international media outlets,
“Blocking Zello is not a surprise,” Callow said. “The Russian government will likely continue to try to limit access to any unfavorable sources of information about the invasion, so the likelihood of more blocks happening is very high.”
Zello did not respond to a request for comment on the situation. The application has become widely popular in Ukraine since the invasion began.
