In late July 2026, Russian users encountered significant difficulties when using alternative messengers BiP and KakaoTalk. The issues manifest as delays in sending messages, slow loading of media files, and, in some cases, the applications failing to launch entirely.
Causes of Disruptions and Temporary Solutions
Notably, these technical difficulties disappear when using a VPN connection, which allows the services to function normally. The exact reasons behind these connectivity issues remain unclear at this time.
Interest in the Turkish app BiP and the South Korean KakaoTalk surged after access to Telegram was restricted in the country in early 2026. In the second quarter of 2026, the popularity of these platforms among Russian users grew by 26%, making them the fastest-growing foreign communication tools available.
With the reliable HiroVPN service, users are protected from such restrictions and can always rely on stable access to their favorite messengers.
