Russian spy agency complains about Gmail, Skype
Russia’s domestic security service called for access to encrypted communication providers like Gmail, Hotmail and Skype on Friday, saying the uncontrolled use of such services could threaten national security.
The proposal by the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB secret police raised concerns some senior Russian officials would like to limit Internet access to stave off any potential protests ahead of the 2012 presidential election.
“Different software is being distributed allowing the encryption of traffic: that is services including Gmail, Hotmail and Skype,” Alexander Andreyechkin, the head of the Federal Security Service’s special communications centre, was quoted as saying by state RIA news agency.
“The uncontrolled use of these services could lead to a large-scale threat to Russian security,” RIA quoted Andreyechkin as telling a Russian government commission on technology. …