Skype Usage In Azerbaijan: Blocked Or Accessible?

Skype is a telecommunications application that allows users to connect, chat, and make voice and video calls for free. It has become an essential tool for many people to stay connected with friends and family worldwide. However, access to Skype has been blocked or interfered with in several countries, including Azerbaijan, where users have reported difficulties accessing the application. While there have been claims that the Azerbaijani government has imposed restrictions on Skype, official statements from the Ministry of Communications and High Technologies deny any intentional blockage, attributing the issues to software updates. This article will explore the topic of Skype's accessibility in Azerbaijan, delving into the reasons behind the interruptions and the impact on users, as well as the potential implications for internet freedom in the country.

Skype blocked in Azerbaijan in October 2024

Skype is a popular telecommunications application that allows users around the world to connect and chat with friends and relatives. However, in some countries, Skype and other similar applications may be restricted or blocked entirely due to various reasons, such as profit-driven motives or government censorship.

In October 2024, there were reports of Skype being blocked in Azerbaijan, particularly during the Islamic Solidarity Games held in the country. The Azerbaijani Transport and Communications Ministry stated that temporary restrictions on telecom services like Skype were imposed as security measures during the games. However, even after the games concluded, users in Azerbaijan continued to experience difficulties in making internet video and voice calls using Skype.

While the Ministry did not offer any official explanation for the ongoing blockage, experts and lawyers claimed that the government intended to accumulate financial gains by restricting such applications. There were also concerns about the government's desire to obtain individual information about each subscriber.

It is important to note that the Spokesperson for the Communications and High Technologies Ministry, Mushfig Amirov, denied any restrictions on Skype in Azerbaijan, stating that the Ministry supports the development of such networks. He attributed the interrupted service to a previous software update, which was resolved by downloading the latest version of Skype.

To bypass the block and access Skype in Azerbaijan, users can utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, which allows them to tunnel their requests through a secure pathway and encrypt their data. This method has been commonly used by individuals in other countries facing similar restrictions.

The Special State Protection Service of Azerbaijan blocked Skype

The Special State Protection Service of Azerbaijan (SSPS) is a militarised institution that operates under the direct command of the President of Azerbaijan. In 2020, the organisation was headed by Baylar Eyyubov, a close associate of Azerbaijan's ruler, Ilham Aliyev.

The SSPS blocked Skype in Azerbaijan in 2015, according to a report by Oxu.az. The report states that it was impossible to log into Skype from computers or mobile devices. However, the SSPS has denied any involvement in the disruption of Skype, claiming that they only provide network security for government agencies and are not related to providing internet services.

The motives behind the SSPS's decision to limit access to Skype remain unknown. However, some have speculated that it was done to protect the country's telecommunication operators, who were losing revenue due to the popularity of internet-based calls and texts.

The disruption caused outrage among Azerbaijani citizens, who rely heavily on mobile apps for communication. The issue was eventually resolved, and Skype, along with other messaging apps, was unblocked in Azerbaijan.

The ban was a temporary security measure during the Islamic Solidarity Games

Skype was blocked in Azerbaijan as a temporary security measure during the Islamic Solidarity Games. The ban was implemented by the Azerbaijani Transport and Communications Ministry to prevent internet overloading during the games. The Ministry commented that the "temporary restrictions [...] created certain difficulties in the online use of communication apps for making ordinary and video calls".

The ban was initially thought to be compulsory and a necessary measure to prevent internet overloading during the games. However, once the games finished, the restrictions on Skype and other apps such as WhatsApp and Viber remained. The Ministry did not offer any explanation for the continued restrictions.

The situation caused frustration among Azerbaijani citizens, who were unable to connect to Skype and make voice and video calls. The ban also impacted businesses, preventing them from holding online video conferences and discussing issues with foreign colleagues.

The Azerbaijani government has previously expressed a need to 'regulate' international internet phone calls, with both Ministry officials and pro-governmental MPs supporting this position. However, independent experts and lawyers have opposed these plans, arguing that the government is not entitled to interfere in citizen-messenger-application bilateral communication.

Following the Islamic Solidarity Games, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan released an official statement regarding the restrictions. They acknowledged the difficulties faced by citizens and stated that network updating and preventive measures had been carried out. The Ministry assured the public that the technical updating had been completed, and Azerbaijani citizens could now use communication apps for making local and international phone calls.

The ban was lifted after technical updates were made

Skype was blocked in Azerbaijan, with users unable to log in to the application from computers or mobile devices. The program would not open even after entering login details and a password. However, the ban was lifted after technical updates were made.

The block on Skype was initially implemented by the Special State Protection Service of Azerbaijan, with talks on Skype blocked a few days after a similar block on WhatsApp calls. The reason for the restriction was not made clear by the Azerbaijani government, but it was speculated that it was a temporary measure to prevent internet overloading during the Islamic Solidarity Games. The games finished on May 22, but the ban remained in place for some time after.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan later commented on the problems with online telecom services in the country, stating that temporary restrictions had been imposed as part of security measures during the Islamic Solidarity Games. The Ministry also pointed out that network updating had been carried out alongside other preventive measures, and that Azerbaijani citizens could now use communication apps for making local and international phone calls.

While Skype was blocked, it was still possible to access the application using a VPN or proxy program. However, this method was not ideal, as some users may not have had access to or knowledge of how to use these programs. The ban on Skype caused frustration for many Azerbaijani users, particularly those who relied on the application for work or to communicate with friends and family internationally.

The lifting of the ban after technical updates were implemented allowed Azerbaijani citizens to once again access Skype and other communication apps without the need for a VPN or proxy program. This improvement in accessibility was welcomed by many, as it allowed for easier communication and connection with others both within Azerbaijan and internationally.

Azerbaijani citizens can now use Skype for local and international calls

Skype, the popular telecommunications application, has experienced blocks in several countries worldwide, including Azerbaijan. In October 2024, reports emerged that Skype was facing serious disruptions in the country, with users unable to log in to the application on computers or mobile devices. This issue also affected other messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Viber.

However, as of September 2024, the Azerbaijani government has lifted these restrictions. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and High Technologies of Azerbaijan imposed temporary restrictions on telecom services during the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games, citing security measures. These restrictions caused difficulties for Azerbaijani citizens in making ordinary and video calls using Skype and other similar applications.

The Ministry has since completed the technical updates, and Skype is now accessible for local and international calls in Azerbaijan. This development aligns with the Ministry's stance on supporting the development of technology and not intending to prohibit the use of software applications in the country's mobile network.

It is important to note that while Skype is currently unblocked in Azerbaijan, the situation with internet-based calls and the potential impact on revenue for local telecommunication operators is an ongoing discussion in the country.

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