6 Mar 2022 13:15

Roskomnadzor blocking Zello app in Russia

MOSCOW. March 6 (Interfax) - The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) will restrict access to the Zello walkie-talkie app within a day, the telecoms regulator's press service said.

"On March 4, Roskomnadzor [...] sent a request to the administration of the United States Internet resource Zello (Zello Inc.) to stop sending messages to users that contain untrue information about the Russian Armed Forces' special operation in Ukraine," the statement said.

The administration of the Internet resource Zello did not comply with Roskomnadzor's requirement within the period stipulated by law, the telecoms regulator said.

"Due to the failure of the Zello administration to comply with Roskomnadzor's request, access to this application in the Russian Federation will be restricted within 24 hours," it said.

The Zello app is a free program that allows you to turn your smartphone or tablet into a walkie-talkie and communicate in real time.