Russia blocks instant messaging app WeChat

A picture illustration shows a WeChat app icon in Beijing, December 5, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

MOSCOW — Russia on Friday banned the access to Chinese instant messaging app WeChat, saying its operator failed to register with the appropriate authorities.

Vadim Ampelonsky, spokesman of Russian telecommunication watchdog Roskomnadzor, said WeChat "did not provide the contact information necessary for registration with authorities."

WeChat is the most popular messenger app in China and is widely used by Chinese living overseas. It is produced by China's IT giant Tencent.

Currently, some WeChat users in Moscow have been unable to log in or send messages.

Tencent's spokesman Zhang Jun responded on Friday, saying the company is in contact with related Russian agencies.

Earlier on Tuesday, Roskomnadzor also blocked Messenger, Line and Vchat for the same reason.