Source: Russian cell operators not ready to identify messenger users

MOSCOW, Jan 24 (PRIME) -- Russian mobile operators are not technically equipped to identify users of messengers, a market source said Tuesday.

“Technically, such options are not available. We cannot also technically guarantee their blocking,” the source said.

Mass media reported earlier on Tuesday that the communications service and the Interior Ministry had developed amendments to the law on connection to regulate messengers, like WhatsApp and Viber.

Dmitry Solodovnikov, press secretary for mobile operator MTS, said connection operators had been involved in discussions of the amendments.

“We fully support the bill since its adoption will furnish us with an additional channel to attract subscribers, facilitate a procedure of their remote identification and streamline the distribution of SIM cards,” Solodovnikov said.

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