IP telephony services to continue from Russian telecom operators; ban will target calls with number spoofing - Digital Development Ministry

MOSCOW. Dec 28 (Interfax) - A Russian government resolution cancelling licenses for transmitting internet data with embedded voice information will not prohibit IP telephony services provided by operators holding telephone communication service licenses, and only internet calls with spoofed outgoing numbers will be restricted, the Digital Development Ministry said.

Earlier on Saturday, it was reported that the Russian government had approved a resolution canceling licenses for transmitting internet data with embedded voice information. Such licenses allowed fraudsters to use the internet to connect with individuals on landline or mobile networks, the government's press service said.

Legitimate telecom operators providing IP telephony services will not be affected by this restriction, the ministry said.

"Telecommunication services using IP telephony are not being banned and will continue to be provided. A telephone communication service license is required for this. For most legitimate operators, nothing will change since they already hold such licenses," it said.

The document prohibits using a specific type of license for internet calls that may masquerade as regular calls from landline or mobile phones, it said.

"Fraudsters exploited regulatory loopholes in this license, as it allowed number spoofing. For example, scammers making internet calls could use spoofed numbers, impersonating bank or company employees to obtain citizens' personal data. Now, this type of phone fraud will be restricted," it said.

The changes will also not affect ordinary citizens using voice communication in messaging apps, as such communication does not connect to landline or mobile networks, it said.

All necessary communication services for citizens will continue to be provided, the ministry said. "Operators will have ample time to adapt to the new rules. The resolution takes effect on September 1, 2025. Changes can be made without paying a state fee, and applications will be processed within five business days," it said.