The Russian government has commissioned the Federal Security Services (FSB) to develop a system by which to punish state officials caught using uncertified applications like WhatsApp for working correspondence, the Izvestia newspaper reported Friday.
According to Izvestia, officials could face dismissal if found to
be using any of a list of uncertified applications for work
correspondence, including WhatsApp, Viber and Telegram.
The Internet+Sovereignty division of a presidential administration
working group presented the initiative this week at a meeting of the
FSB, the Communications and Mass Media Ministry, and the Economic Development Ministry.
The FSB is to prepare the necessary regulations for the ban to be
enforced by mid 2017, Izvestia reported.
The initiative comes after Russia’s Defense Ministry suggested banning state officials and military personnel from using any foreign mobile application for work correspondence.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
