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Media watchdog urges Russians to switch to domestic alternatives to Zoom

Earlier, Kommersant daily reported that Zoom Video Communications had prohibited its distributors from selling its online conference services to government agencies and state-owned firms in Russia and former Soviet countries

© Donat Sorokin/TASS

MOSCOW, April 8. /TASS/. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) recommended that Russian users switch to domestic alternatives to Zoom video communication app, the press service of the regulator told TASS on Thursday.

"Although the American company Zoom Video Communications has not officially confirmed the refusal to serve clients in Russia, the use of foreign services by our companies and government agencies will always carry the risk of refusal of service by administrations of foreign platforms and the risk of leaks of our citizens data due to their [those companies’] fault," the watchdog said.

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Zoom seeks to evolve approach to CIS countries

"We recommend that Russian users switch more actively to the use of domestic software," the watchdog noted.

It recalled that there is a number of domestic videoconferencing platforms, which are widely used in Russia.

Earlier, Kommersant daily reported that Zoom Video Communications had prohibited its distributors from selling its online conference services to government agencies and state-owned firms in Russia and former Soviet countries. The newspaper cited a letter by RightConf, Zoom’s distributor in Russia and the CIS, to its partners dated March 31.

According to the letter, Zoom Video Communications Inc. is revoking its Russian partner's authorization to sell services to state agencies and companies with government beneficiaries. Reports say that RightConf CEO Andrei Petrenko, confirmed the authenticity of the letter to Kommersant. He also specified that the restrictions apply not only to Russia, but also to CIS countries. That said, Petrenko said that his company would continue working according to existing contracts. A spokesperson of Zoom Video Communications told TASS that the company "continues to be committed to serving customers in the Russian market and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and is in the process of evolving our approach in the region.

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Russian troops raise flag in central Kurakhovo in Donetsk region — politician

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According to Vasily Nebenzya, the Security Council should "bring peace, stability and prosperity to the Middle East"

Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

"The enemy positioned in the fortified area in Velikaya Novoselka in the south of the DPR is already trapped in a kill zone," the source said

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"The direct line and press conference are being prepared," Dmitry Peskov said

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China slams US nuclear policy for undermining global stability

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Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

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Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

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Japanese lawmaker praises Putin's restraint amid decision to strike deep into Russia

Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell confirmed that the US administration had lifted restrictions for US-supplied missiles to be used for strikes up to 300 kilometers inside Russia

Indonesia accepts invitation to become partner state in BRICS, ambassador announces

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Russian forces gain foothold in central Chasov Yar in DPR — expert

While Ukrainian commanders have been making every effort to stabilize the situation in Chasov Yar, Kiev does not have enough soldiers, weapons or military hardware for that, Andrey Marochko said

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Ukrainian special services assemble unit for sabotage attacks in Kupyansk — official

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Russian troops advance in areas north, south of Velikaya Novoselka in DPR — official

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Russia to address NATO’s engagement in strikes deep inside country — SVR

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Japanese lawmaker urges global condemnation of decision on missile strikes on Russia

Muneo Suzuki described Joe Biden’s decision as "dangerous and provocative"

Ex-UK Labor party leader wants PM to clarify situation with Storm Shadow missiles

Jeremy Corbyn called for de-escalation of the situationin Ukraine and the search for a diplomatic solution to achieve peace

Zelensky admits Ukraine can't fight its way back to 1991 borders

Vladimir Zelensky also talked about the Crimean Peninsula, stating that Kiev is ready to "bring Crimea back diplomatically"

Xi Jinping calls for unification of more voices for peace in Ukraine

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Soyuz rocket carrying Progress MS-29 cargo spaceship blasts off from Baikonur spaceport

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Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to update the country’s nuclear doctrine, the Basic Principles of the State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

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Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 500 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day

Russian ambassador says UK prime minister doesn’t understand situation in Ukraine

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Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

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Russian forces dislodge Ukrainian troops from half of positions in Kurakhovo in DPR

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US Senate refuses to block arms supplies to Israel

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US decision on missile strikes aimed at provoking Russia, expert says

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Trump to continue using Ukraine to contain Russia — Valdai program director

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