Putin's officials reveal FSB access to messenger conversations
Photo: Dmitry Peskov (Getty Images)
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that all messaging apps are completely transparent systems for intelligence services, particularly for the FSB, the pro-Kremlin media outlet URA.RU reports.
Peskov emphasized that people must understand that their correspondence is accessible.
"When it comes to corporate matters, state matters, or classified issues, of course, we must understand that any messenger is a completely transparent system. And people who use them must understand that they are all transparent - for intelligence services, of course," a Kremlin spokesperson said.
Control over messengers in Russia
In July, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin had ordered to gain control over foreign messaging apps.
In particular, this referred to WhatsApp and Telegram, despite Telegram's Russian origins.
Moreover, in August, WhatsApp announced that Russian authorities were attempting to block the service in Russia. However, the company stated that it would continue doing everything possible to maintain access.
In addition, the reports indicated earlier that Russia is preparing to launch a new state-run messenger called Max. According to The New York Times, it will become mandatory on all new smartphones starting this month, September.
The media outlet noted that Russia is ramping up efforts to establish strict state control over the internet, restricting access to foreign services.
