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How to Access VK from Outside Russia

Ever found yourself yearning to access VK, Russia’s largest social network , but been blocked due to geographical restrictions? You’re not alone. As someone who’s had their fair share of virtual boundary hurdles, I know how frustrating it can be when you can’t get through to the content you desire.

Luckily, there’s a simple solution: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In my experience, VPNs like ExpressVPN , NordVPN , and Surfshark have proven particularly effective in navigating these geo-blocks. They function by masking your actual location and making it appear as though you’re browsing from within Russia.

While using a VPN may sound technical and intimidating if you’ve never used one before, I assure you that it’s simpler than it seems. Let me guide you through the process of accessing VK from outside Russia with these user-friendly tools.

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Understanding the Basics of VK

Before we delve into accessing VK from outside Russia, it’s essential to understand what VK is. At its core, VK (short for VKontakte) is Russia’s largest social media platform, akin to Facebook in the United States. It’s a hub where users can share updates, photos, and videos while connecting with friends and participating in groups based on interests.

One thing that sets VK apart is its music and video features. Users can upload, search and play a vast range of tracks directly through the platform – a feature that’s earned it a massive user base not just in Russia but throughout Eastern Europe as well.

However, access to this diverse social media giant isn’t always straightforward if you’re located outside of Russia due to geo-restrictions imposed by your local internet service providers or by the government itself.

This brings us to VPNs or Virtual Private Networks – like ExpressVPN , NordVPN , and Surfshark . A VPN allows you to mask your IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from within Russia even when you aren’t physically present there. This way, you can bypass these geo-restrictions providing unrestricted access to VK no matter where in the world you are.

To summarize:

• VK is essentially Russian Facebook with added music and video features.
• Accessing VK may be restricted depending on your location due to geo-restrictions.
• VPNs such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN & Surfshark let you bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address.

In later sections of this article, I’ll guide you further on how exactly these VPNs work and how they can help unlock access to VK from anywhere globally. Until then, remember: The key lies in understanding that while some digital borders exist online – with knowledge and the right tools those borders don’t have to limit us!

Effective Methods to Access VK Outside Russia

When you’re outside of Russia, accessing VK can seem like a daunting task. But don’t fret! I’ve got some useful tips that’ll make it easier for you. Before we dive into the details, let’s understand what’s stopping us from accessing VK outside Russia. It’s primarily due to geo-restrictions or regional limitations imposed by websites and platforms for various reasons.

But here’s the good news: there are multiple ways to bypass these restrictions, one of which is using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs mask your IP address and trick the website into thinking you’re browsing from a different location – in this case, Russia.

ExpressVPN , NordVPN , and Surfshark are three popular VPN options that work well for accessing VK from abroad.

• ExpressVPN : This service offers servers in Moscow and St. Petersburg. With its robust encryption and speedy connections, it’s an excellent choice.
• NordVPN : With more than 50 servers located in Russia alone, NordVPN offers reliable access to VK. Plus, it boasts strong security features for privacy-minded users.
• Surfshark : Despite being a newer player in the VPN market, Surfshark has made a name for itself with its budget-friendly plans and fast speeds.

Choosing between these options depends on your individual needs related to speed, price point, security features etc.

Now, let me walk you through how to set up a VPN:

• First off, choose your preferred VPN provider
• Download their software onto your device
• Install it following the instructions provided
• Once installed, open the application
• Select a server located within Russia
• Connect to that server

And voilà! You should now be able to access VK seamlessly regardless of where you are in the world.

Remember, though, while using any tech solution like this makes life easier; always respect local laws around internet use wherever you are!

Whether it’s staying connected with friends on VK or other purposes; rest assured knowing there are effective methods available that enable seamless access even when outside of Mother Russia!

Conclusion: Navigating VK from Anywhere with Ease

Unlocking the world of VK outside Russia doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools, it’s as easy as pie. VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are your passports to a seamless VK surfing experience.

It’s amazing how these VPNs can help you bypass geo-restrictions. You might be sipping coffee at a downtown café in New York or sunbathing on a beach in Bali; your location won’t stop you from accessing VK anymore. I’ve personally used ExpressVPN and was able to access VK without any hiccups—the connection was swift and robust.

NordVPN is another great choice for accessing VK. It’s renowned for its top-notch security features, which ensure that your activity stays private. Meanwhile, Surfshark offers an affordable solution without compromising on speed or security.

Let me break down some key features:

• ExpressVPN : High-speed servers, strong encryption
• NordVPN : Advanced security measures, large server network
• Surfshark : Budget-friendly, unlimited device support

Bear in mind, though, that while these VPNs make accessing VK easy from anywhere in the world, it’s crucial to respect local laws and regulations regarding internet use. Don’t forget—online safety should always come first!

So there you have it! With reliable VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark by your side, navigating VK couldn’t be easier no matter where you are.

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Controversies

Copyright issues.

In 2008, the leading Russian television channel TV Russia (TV channel name RTR used in 1991–2002, then Russia 1) and television company VGTRK sued VKontakte (then VK) over unlicensed copies of two of its films which had been uploaded by VK users. In 2010, this dispute was settled by the Russian Supreme Arbitration Court in favour of the social network. The court ruled that VK is not responsible for its users’ copyright violations, taking into account that both parties agreed with the technical possibility to identify the user who posted illegal content and who, consequently, must incur the liability. [42] Another ruling early in 2012 went partially in favor of Gala Records (now Warner Music Russia) , a recording studio, when the same court ordered VK to pay $7000 for not being active enough in regard to copyrighted materials. [43]

Efforts against copyright infringement

VK offers a content removal tool for copyright holders. [44] [45] Large-scale copyright holders may gain access to bulk content removal tools. [46]

Since 2010, VK has also entered several partnerships with legal content providers such as television networks. [47] and streaming providers. [48] Most notably, the Video on Demand provider Ivi.ru that has secured licensing rights with all Hollywood majors in 2012. [49] These partnerships allow providers to remove user-uploaded content from VK and substitute it with legal embedded copies from the provider's site. [50] This legal content can be either ad-sponsored, subscription-based, or free, depending on the provider's choices. VK does not display its own advertising in the site's music or video sections, nor in the videos themselves. In October 2013, VKontakte was cleared of copyright infringement charges by a court in Saint Petersburg . The judge ruled that the social network is not responsible for the content uploaded by its users. [51]

In November 2014, the head of the Roskomnadzor , Maxim Ksenzov , said that VKontakte would complete the process of legalization of the content at the beginning of 2015. At that time (November 2014), negotiations between major label companies and the social network VKontakte were ongoing. [52]

DDoS attacks on sites

Because the social network is one of the most popular and visited sites in runet , its visits can be used to make DDoS attacks on smaller sites.VK performed DDOS attack s on certain sites, making users' browsers send multiple requests to the target site without their consent. The targets were the Runet Prize voting page in 2008 [53] and the CAPTCHA -solving service antigate.com in 2012. [54] [55] It was done by inserting an iframe and a piece of JavaScript code which periodically reloaded the iframe. As a countermeasure, antigate was detecting whether iframe was loaded from VK and if it were antigate had redirected request to xHamster, a pornography website . VK needed to cease the attack due to the site's use by children. VK tried to use XMLHttpRequest to solve this problem, but had forgotten about the same-origin policy . They succeeded in stopping the attack, though there were many ways to solve the problem with redirect.

Durov's dismissal

Durov was dismissed as CEO in April 2014 after he had failed to retract a letter of resignation. Durov contended that the resignation letter was an April fools prank. [36] Durov then claimed Vladimir Putin's allies had, in effect, taken over the company, [36] [56] [57] and suggested his ousting was the result of his refusal to hand over personal details of users to the Russian Federal Security Service and his refusal to shut down a VK group dedicated to anti-corruption activist Alexei Navalny . [36] [56]

On 24 May 2013, it was reported in the media that the site had been mistakenly put on a list of websites banned by the Russian government. [58] Some critics have accused the blacklist as the latest in a series of suspicious incidents to have happened to the website in recent months as a way for the Russian government to increase their stake in, and control of the site. [59]

On 18 November 2013, following an order from the Court of Rome , VK was blocked in Italy after a complaint from Medusa Film stating that it was hosting an illegal copy of one of its films. [60] However, in April 2015, the site was reopened for Italian users and its mobile app is available on both the App Store and Google Play .

In January 2016, China banned VKontakte, claiming that it was manipulating web content and cooperating with the Kremlin. According to Russia's media watchdog , the network estimates around 300,000 users based in China. [61] As of 14 February 2018, China authorities unblocked VKontakte and it was fully accessible in the country. [62]

In May 2017, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a decree to impose a ban on Mail.ru and its widely used social networks including VKontakte and Odnoklassniki as part of its continued sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea and involvement in the war in Donbas. [63] [64] [65] Reporters Without Borders condemned the ban, calling it a "disproportionate measure that seriously undermines the Ukrainian people's right to information and freedom of expression." [66] VK closed its office in Ukraine's capital Kyiv in June 2017. [67]

In December 2021, VKontakte's CEO, Boris Dobrodeev resigned from his post. Reuters linked Dobrodeev's resignation to the acquisition of VK's majority interest by two state-owned companies that happened the same month. According to one analyst, the state consolidation of VKontakte would cause greater censorship by the government. [68]

On 12 May 2022, in connection with the sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU), NEPLP decided to limit the activity of "Vkontakte" ("vk.com"), "Odnoklassniki" ("ok.ru") and "Moi mail" ("my.mail.ru") in Latvia. The decision was made because NEPLP has evidence that the platforms are owned and controlled by Yuriy Kovalchuk and Vladimir Kiriyenko. The mentioned persons are subject to EU sanctions in connection with undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. [69]

After Russian military invasion of Ukraine, on September 26, 2022, the VK application (as well as other applications of the holding services) was removed from the Apple App Store due to international sanctions. [70] [71] On September 28, the Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor issued a statement demanding an explanation for the removal of the VK application from the App Store. [72] CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko was sanctioned by the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, Australia and various countries. [73]

Prosecution of users in Russia

In July 2012, VKontakte was accused of close cooperation with the Centre for Combating Extremism (Centre E) , a unit within the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs heavily criticized for repressing opposition activists. [74] [75] For publications, reposts, comments and likes posted on their VKontakte pages, dozens of Russian citizens were sentenced to fines, suspended sentences and imprisonment. Most of the cases against users are qualified as propaganda of extremism, xenophobia and Nazism. Statistically, among all the social networking services available in Russia, the users of VKontakte were targeted by police almost exclusively. [76]

VKontakte on desktop

VKontakte is built into Opera Browser for desktop. Chat in VK while browsing the web without switching devices. See more

Benefits of VKontakte in Opera Browser

The VK app is integrated into Opera Browser’s sidebar, making it easy to chat without switching tabs or apps.

Just log in or scan a QR code to sync your VKontakte messages.

Access the VKontakte app in one click from Opera Browser’s sidebar.

Chat in VKontakte on desktop easily with your full screen and keyboard.

Pin your VKontakte messenger panel for easy chatting while browsing.

Explore more

VKontakte in Opera Browser

Log into VKontakte with your phone number

Chat in VKontakte on desktop in Opera Browser

See all features

Twitter in the sidebar

Explore and tweet conveniently with a better view on desktop.

Save and collect web content easily, share it visually.

Instagram in the sidebar

Use Instagram in Opera’s sidebar while you browse.

Search in tabs

Work and browse more efficiently with many open tabs.

Organize tab groups in separate customizable workspaces.

Browse with less distractions and load websites faster.

Enhance online videos and images in one click.

Facebook Messenger in the sidebar

Use Messenger on desktop in Opera Browser.

Personal news

A customizable and convenient newsfeed on your start page.

Snapshot tool

Easily capture, edit and share your snapshots from webpages.

Instantly send files, links and notes between your devices.

Video pop-out

Pop out online videos so they float on top of webpages as you browse.

Import bookmarks

Easily manage, customize and keep your favorite places online.

Synchronize the Opera browsers on any of your devices.

Attach files in one click without digging through folders.

Battery saver

An easy way to noticeably extend your laptop’s battery life.

Unit converter

Automatically convert time-zones, currencies and units of measurement.

Player in sidebar

A world of music and podcasts at your fingertips.

It’s easy to switch to Opera

You know when you don't want to do something, like go out, but a friend makes you and then you're really glad you did. This is one of those situations.

Let’s switch

You deserve a better browser

Integrated messengers, Ad blocker, and Flow file sharing. Just a few of the must-have features built into Opera for faster, smoother and distraction-free browsing designed to improve your online experience.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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Morgan Meaker

How the Kremlin Infiltrated Russia’s Facebook 

In December 2021, two months before the invasion of Ukraine, the new CEO of Russia’s second -most-popular social media network sat next to an immaculate Christmas tree and introduced himself to staff in a video message. For the occasion, Vladimir Kiriyenko—a man usually only pictured in suits—donned dark jeans with New Balance trainers. Throughout the one-hour video, he mostly avoided eye contact with the camera, instead directing his comments about the company’s future to Ochir Mandzhikov, VK’s vice president of communications. But not everyone at VKontakte (VK), Russia’s equivalent to Facebook, was convinced by their new leader’s performance.

After watching the video, which was shared internally, one VK employee told WIRED that it felt like his new boss was from another world. “Usually when an IT founder speaks, they talk like a friend, about facts, about actions,” they said, requesting anonymity because they still work at the company. “Vladimir speaks like a politician because he talks without actually sharing any information.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, VK has been on the front line of the Kremlin’s information war. Under Kiriyenko’s leadership, the platform banned its users from spreading what the Kremlin considers false information about the war, while its new CEO has featured on Europe’s sanctions list. Vladimir Sergeevich Kiriyenko “supports Vladimir Putin’s aim for greater control over the internet,” the sanctions list reads . 

The controversy surrounding Kiriyenko’s rise to the top role at VK stems from his family’s connection to President Vladimir Putin. Kiriyenko’s father, Sergey, is one of Putin’s most powerful aides and is considered the country’s domestic policy czar. Kiriyenko senior has also been an active lobbyist for the creation of a sovereign Russian internet , a proposal that would sever Russia’s internet infrastructure from the rest of the world and give the Kremlin much greater control.

The appointment of Kiriyenko junior, who previously held a leadership role at state-owned telecom company Rostelecom, has been interpreted by analysts as the latest chapter in VK’s gradual loss of independence from Russia’s government. “VK has long since become a company completely controlled by the Kremlin,” says Sarkis Darbinyan, head of the legal department at Russian digital rights group Roskomsvoboda. “With Kiriyenko, all the requirements of the presidential administration and Roskomnadzor are now fulfilled with lightning speed.” VK declined a request to comment for this story.

WIRED spoke to eight current and former VK employees, including its former CEO, who described how the company became increasingly compliant with the authorities as it pursued its ambitions for growth, transforming from an independent tech startup to a corporation controlled by Alisher Usmanov, a man both the UK and EU describe as a pro-Kremlin oligarch. In 2021, Russia’s state-owned energy company Gazprom bought out Usmanov and paved the way for Kiriyenko’s appointment. If the Kremlin has a vested interest in how a company is run, it will find ways to exert its influence, says Alyssa Demus, an expert in Eurasian politics and information warfare at US think tank RAND. “In the case of VK, it wasn't necessarily an overnight hostile takeover so much as a slow burn, pushing out the former creator and CEO and co-opting the business from the inside out.”

By Tess Owen

By Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica

By Angela Watercutter

By Amanda Hoover

VK has become a major beneficiary of Russia’s recent ban on its competitors . In March, the platform reached a record 50 million daily users , becoming the country’s most popular social media site after Facebook and Instagram were blocked. VK’s newsfeed views jumped 24 percent and video views surged 15 percent in the first month of the war, according to Moscow-based data company Brand Analytics. VK has also been actively chasing its competitors’ clients, publishing a step-by-step guide for businesses about how to migrate away from international platforms .

The company VK has become is drastically different from the one that was founded back in 2006 by Pavel Durov, who later set up messaging app Telegram. In the early days, the content on VK was a microcosm of the best and worst of Russia’s internet, something the government would later leverage against it. Pirated music and pornography flowed freely on the platform, and the authorities complained about child sex abuse materials on the site. There was just one guy in charge of content moderation at the time, according to developer Oleg Illarionov, who joined VK in 2010.

“We had gotten used to the idea that the internet is open, it's free, we can do whatever we want, and we only had to comply with our own moderation rules,” says Andrew Rogozov, who started at the company in 2007 and later became CEO. “In those days, there was no regulation,” he adds. “And the [government takedown] requests were very random and spontaneous.”

Russia’s internet remained unregulated until 2012, the year after allegations of electoral fraud drove thousands of people to protest around the country, in what was called the “snow-revolution .” “The leading faction in the Kremlin realized that social media was a major information channel, and then they began to try to clamp down on it,” says Vladimir Barash, chief scientist at social network analysis company Graphika.

Just months after his 2012 reelection, Putin approved a law that created a blacklist of websites that the government deemed harmful to children. From then on, the relationship between VK and the authorities deteriorated. Despite a leak that appeared to show Durov discussing sharing users’ private data with Russia’s security services, people who worked alongside Durov at the time said he was committed to free speech. “From the start, he decided not to comply with anything,” says Illarionov. “I would say he was the strongest admirer of free speech out of everybody I know.”

Tension between the company and the government boiled over in 2014, after VK refused to remove posts and groups linked to the Euromaidan protest movement in Ukraine, company insiders told WIRED. That year, the authorities searched VK’s offices and police accused Durov of running over a policeman’s foot with a white Mercedes, forcing the founder into hiding . Durov, who did not reply to WIRED’s request for comment, resigned in April, saying later he was pressured to sell his 12 percent stake in the business. After VK’s two other cofounders also sold their shares, the platform ended up under full control of the Mail.ru group, an internet business majority-owned by Usmanov. The British government, which sanctioned Usmanov in March, describes him as a leading oligarch and Putin associate.

But Durov did not walk away empty-handed; it's estimated he received around $300 million as part of the deal. “This was the same strategy that was used when there was a consolidation of the oil industry,” says Ruben Enikolopov, economics professor at Barcelona’s Pompeu Fabra University. “So they were not forcing people to sell for free but pressuring people to sell their assets.”

Rogozov, who was head of development under Durov, took over the day-to-day running of the platform in his new role as chief operating officer, according to multiple people that spoke to WIRED. Under his leadership, change happened quickly. Developers complained that revenue was prioritized over user experience, and new hires diluted the company culture. “We needed to generate revenue in order to grow the company,” says Rogozov. “Many people inside the company struggled with that transition because before we only focused on users. VK was never a cash cow, but the market was expecting revenue.”

The attitude to government requests changed too. When Durov was still in charge in December 2012, a member of a pro-Alexei Navalny group on the platform published messages exchanged with him. “Recently the FSB asked us to close opposition groups, like yours,” Durov claimed in the message.“By principle we don't do that. We don't know yet how it will end for us.” The same day, Durov tweeted what he called his “official response” to FSB requests: a picture of a dog wearing a hoodie with its tongue out. Durov did not respond to requests to comment.

When Rogozov took over, he says he cooperated with the authorities while trying to convey to regulators that if internet regulation was too strict, VK would not be able to compete with the US platforms already gaining traction in Russia. “The tactic was, we realized that when you are working in the Russian market and when you do business here, you need to comply with the rules,” he says. Illarionov remembers how Rogozov would try to reassure the team, explaining why content had to be banned. “Andrew would usually come and explain why it happened,” he says. “He’d say, ‘Guys, we have a court decision and we are located in Russia, so we have to comply with the court decision.’”

But that philosophy became more controversial as new laws became more extreme, such as the 2016 Yarovaya law that forced internet companies including VK to store messages, posts, images, video, and metadata for up to six months. Since Rogozov made the decision that VK would be a compliant company, the number of laws it has to abide by has snowballed. “Now VK automatically unloads all information from the Roskomnadzor blacklist, blocking all of the prohibited content, strictly moderates content, promotes pro-governmental content, complies with the requirements of the “Yarovaya law” by collecting all metadata and storing users' correspondence, and finally discloses all data to law enforcement that initiate criminal proceedings against users,” lists Darbinyan. A VK insider with knowledge of the company’s relationship with the authorities confirmed to WIRED that the company has shared users’ private messages with the authorities when asked to provide evidence for court cases.

Outsiders quickly noticed the new, closer relationship with the government. “To date, no other social network in Russia cooperates so thoroughly and unquestioningly,” said a 2017 report by digital rights group Article 19. Under Rogozov’s leadership, reports also intensified that VK users were being arrested for the posts or memes they shared on the platform. Until 2021, the majority of VK users punished under Russian anti-extremism laws were targeted for sharing xenophobic posts, says Maria Kravchenko, chief of the misuse of anti-extremism board at Russian NGO SOVA. But activists were affected too. In 2015, convicted 26-year-old Darya Polyudova was sentenced to two years in prison for three VK posts. One read: “No war in Ukraine but a revolution in Russia!”

In response to the arrests, VK introduced privacy changes in 2018, hiding details about which accounts had shared posts and enabling users to make their profiles private. One employee who worked at VK at the time said these changes were introduced partly to protect the audience but partly to protect VK’s reputation. At the same time VK became more compliant with the government, US services like Instagram and WhatsApp were becoming more popular in Russia. Developers working at VK at the time described feeling like they were constantly catching up. “Every time Facebook or Instagram or WhatsApp or anyone else invented some new feature, we tried to replicate it,” says Alexey Storozhev, who was an iOS developer between 2014 and 2018.

But the reputational damage caused by the arrests was nothing compared to what was about to happen in Ukraine. In May 2017, the Ukrainian government banned VK as well as other online services like online network Odnoklassniki for “waging information aggression and propaganda against Ukraine,” Overnight, VK lost around 14 million users, Rogozov says. “I think it affected us way more than all the regulations that later took place in Russia.”

By the end of 2021, VK had merged with Mail.ru, which was rebranded as the VK Group, and the company was creaking under the pressure to grow fast enough to compete with US alternatives. VK had been overtaken by WhatsApp in the user number charts toward the end of 2021, according to Statista . Instagram was not far behind. In the months before the invasion of Ukraine, the company was again “struggling,” according to Rogozov, and it was looking for investors. One former employee who was aware of the company’s financial position said what happened next was inevitable. “You have to choose investors to work with, and not so many of them can really invest those kinds of resources,” they said. “The bigger you are, the more connected you are with the government. This is how business works in Russia.”

“In hindsight, [Kiriyenko’s appointment] was probably preparation for war,” says Enikolopov. If that’s the case, it would mark the second time changes in the company’s management structure coincided with events in Ukraine. In 2014, the same year pro-Russian forces intervened in Crimea, pro-Kremlin oligarch Usmanov took control of VK. Two months after Kiriyenko took over, Russian tanks rolled across the border into Ukraine. Both instances also took place as the company was struggling financially. The week after Durov was pushed out in 2014, Sony, Universal, and Warner all filed separate lawsuits against VK over pirated music. Before Gazprom took control of the platform in 2021, insiders told WIRED the company was again struggling to compete with US competitors and was looking for investors.

One former employee compared VK’s fate to the (scientifically dubious) fable of the boiling frog : If a frog is dropped into boiling water, it will jump out, but if you put it in water that is slowly boiled, the frog doesn’t notice until it's too late. “I think the Russian people and everybody connected to the internet are like this frog in normal water,” he says. “It started with one law for saving our children from offensive information, and now people in Russia are in a situation where they can write the word “war” on VK and spend 15 years in jail .”

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Babel street announces strategic acquisition of vertical knowledge, bolstering leadership in identity intelligence and risk operations.

The merger sets a new industry standard by combining Babel Street’s advanced AI and NLP with Vertical Knowledge’s extensive data intelligence capabilities.

WASHINGTON, January 22, 2024 --( BUSINESS WIRE )--Babel Street, a leading provider of identity intelligence and risk operations solutions, today announced its acquisition of Vertical Knowledge, a premier data products, insights, and intelligence company. The acquisition significantly expands Babel Street’s data sourcing, enrichment, and analysis capabilities, transforming high-stakes identity and risk operations into a strategic advantage for organizations worldwide.

"We are thrilled to welcome Vertical Knowledge and its talented team and robust products to Babel Street," said Michael Southworth, Babel Street CEO. "Together, we can offer our customers and partners unprecedented access to comprehensive, multilingual data assets enhanced by industry-leading natural language processing. This powerful combination of data and technology closes the Risk-Confidence Gap, empowering our customers to operate with greater efficiency, foresight, and security."

Vertical Knowledge is a well-established and invaluable partner for both commercial and government organizations, offering dynamic platforms and expansive data products that drive informed decision-making. Its solutions unearth critical insights from publicly available information worldwide, providing a decisive edge in complex scenarios.

"Joining forces with Babel Street supercharges our ability to equip customers with the intelligence needed to successfully tackle their most difficult problems," said Brian O’Keefe, Vertical Knowledge CEO. "Babel Street is the gold standard in identity resolution, risk identification and mitigation capabilities that perfectly complements Vertical Knowledge’s strengths in data collection and contextualization. We could not be more excited to fuse our talents and technologies to accelerate innovation in this space."

The Babel Street Insights platform, coupled with Babel Street-Rosette Text Analytics, already delivers sophisticated AI and data analytics solutions. These offerings are designed to close the Risk-Confidence Gap with unparalleled analysis-ready data, comprehensive risk identification and entity resolution, and continuous automated insights. The addition of Vertical Knowledge delivers extensive multilingual data sourcing and contextualization capabilities will further enhance Babel Street’s robust solutions.

Customers and partners can look forward to even greater access to vital intelligence, facilitating quicker, more accurate assessments and decisions. The merger amplifies the company’s commitment to delivering top-tier solutions in identity intelligence and risk operations.

About Babel Street

Babel Street is the trusted technology partner for the world’s most advanced identity intelligence and risk operations. The Babel Street Insights platform delivers advanced AI and data analytics solutions to close the Risk-Confidence Gap. Babel Street provides unmatched, analysis-ready data regardless of language, proactive risk identification, 360-degree insights, high-speed automation, and seamless integration into existing systems. We empower government and commercial organizations to transform high-stakes identity and risk operations into a strategic advantage. For more information, visit babelstreet.com .

About Vertical Knowledge

Vertical Knowledge is a dynamic data products, global insights and intelligence company specializing in helping customers navigate their most complex business challenges. Its experienced team, innovative platforms and exhaustive library of contextualized data assets equip organizations with the intelligence essential for success. Shea and Company has acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Vertical Knowledge and PSG Equity. For more information, visit vk.ai .

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240122841846/en/

Gabby Ferguson Jones-Dilworth 309-202-0670 [email protected] jones-dilworth.com

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Visit Knoxville Board of Directors

Visit Knoxville is governed by a board of community leaders who willingly commit their time to nurture our efforts to be an economic driver for the Knoxville/Knox County area.

Executive Committee

Chris ooten board chair.

[email protected]

Chris Ooten is a highly accomplished real estate executive with over 25 years of experience in the commercial and residential development industry. As the CEO of Safe Harbor Development since July 2013, Chris is responsible for managing the overall operations of the company and its related entities, including acquisitions, development, construction, operations, and forecasting.  Prior to joining Safe Harbor Development, Chris gained valuable experience as the Director of Real Estate for the Weigel family and Weigel's Stores, managing and purchasing new store locations as well as family holdings. Chris directed operations for Knoxville’s own Schaad Companies for over a decade, serving as their Chief Operations Officer.  Chris is a visionary leader with diversified management skills and is known for his player-coach approach to leadership. He is also LEED certified from the Green Building Certification Institute and currently serves on the Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission as Vice Chair, broadening his already considerable experience in city planning and real estate development. Originally from Oak Ridge, Chris earned his BS Degree from ETSU with an option in city planning. He is married to his wife, Leah, and has three children: Emily, Jack, and Miller. With his expertise in real estate development and his passion for creating thriving communities, Chris brings a unique perspective and skillset to the Safe Harbor Development team, providing critical oversight in capital investments and helping to drive the company's continued success.

Lola Alapo Vice Board Chair & Marketing Committee Chair

[email protected]

Lola Alapo has spent her career telling people’s stories through the written word. She has worked as a newspaper journalist, public relations specialist, science writer and public information officer for a law enforcement agency. She currently is director of marketing and communications for the University of Tennessee Libraries. Lola is active in Knoxville's faith and foster care communities. She also serves on the Graduate Advisory Board of the UT Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Previously, she served on the City of Knoxville’s Neighborhood Advisory Council (At-Large Seat C, 2015-2017). She chaired the Board of Advisors for the UT Master of Public Policy and Administration Program (2015-2021). A Nigerian-born, New York-raised Tennessean, Lola loves the outdoors and travel—especially using both passions for a purpose. She hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Inca Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru and Pico Duarte in the Dominican Republic through Compassion International to raise money for children’s needs. Lola believes any season in East Tennessee is a season for the outdoors. Favorite hikes include the River Boardwalk Trail and Ross Marble Quarry at Ijams Nature Center; North and South Old Mac trails at Frozen Head State Park; and Rainbow Falls trail to Mt. LeConte in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Robin Parton Pate Secretary & Sales Committee Chair

[email protected]

Robin Parton Pate serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Green Point Research (GPR), a vertically integrated phytocannabinoid-rich biomass originator and processor founded in 2016. Prior to joining GPR, Pate most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), a major public-private partnership funded in part by the Department of Energy and operating as a not-for-profit under the University of Tennessee Research Foundation. During her time at the Institute, she led government relations, strategic partnerships, communications, and other functional areas. Through her executive leadership positions with IACMI and many globally recognized media brands, including HGTV, CNN, and TBS, she has earned a reputation as an innovative and impactful marketer and business strategist. Pate holds a Master of Arts in Marketing from the University of Alabama (UA), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Carolina University (WCU), and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management from Harvard. Community and advisory leadership highlights include serving as President of Western Carolina University’s (WCU) National Alumni Association Board of Directors (2016-2018), 100 Girls of Code’s Advisory Team (2015-Current), Childhelp East TN’s Board of Directors (2011-2018) and Alpha Xi Delta’s National Communications Advisory Team (2014-Current). Robin grew up in Bryson City, NC, and currently lives in Knoxville, Tennessee with her husband and two daughters. They enjoy experiencing all the wonders of the beautiful area with favorite activities ranging from paddleboarding on the Little River, to youth sports, to Sunday drives on the Dragon.

Jay Kramer Board Treasurer

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Jackson G. Kramer, a highly skilled, knowledgeable and trusted counselor who has over 28 years of legal experience, concentrates his practice in the areas of Corporate and Transactional, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Administration and Trusts, and Local Government and Public Utilities. He is a strong but reasonable advocate for his clients. His primary goal is to help his clients solve their legal issues and achieve their overall objectives while simultaneously protecting their best interests. Mr. Kramer's broad practice focuses on: real estate transactions including ad valorem taxation questions and sales and use tax matters, general business matters such as corporate formation, contracts, etc, estate planning guidance and administration, property tax issues, and tax exempt organizations.

Board Members

Courtney bergmeier.

[email protected]

Courtney Bergmeier serves as the Executive Director of the historic Bijou Theatre. She grew up in Cincinnati, OH, before moving to Knoxville in 2005 to attend the University of Tennessee, where she attained a degree in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Writing and a minor in Journalism and Electronic Media. Since graduating, Courtney’s career has centered around music and performing arts. She began working for AC Entertainment in 2010 and eventually became the company’s first female talent buyer, booking artists and negotiating deals for venues in Knoxville and the Southeastern region. Wanting to get more involved and connected to the events she booked, she transitioned to venue management and accepted the job of Assistant General Manager of the Bijou Theatre in 2016. Since then, Courtney’s role at the Bijou evolved from operations and programming to fundraising and strategic planning. In 2018 she completed two certificate programs at UT for Nonprofit Management and Grant Writing. While guiding the theatre through a global pandemic, Courtney was promoted to Executive Director in 2021 and oversees the Bijou's strategic plan, administration, programming, fundraising, community outreach, and education. Outside of attending more than 50 concerts a year, Courtney enjoys hiking and camping with her husband and pup, toiling in her garden, and traveling to new places to experience different cultures and gain a global perspective. However, she is always happy to return home to Knoxville.

Linda Billman

[email protected]

Linda Billman uses her working skills to benefit Knoxville area non-profits such as Knoxville History Project, her neighborhood association, Knoxville Civil War Roundtable, Visit Knoxville and other organizations. Previously Linda served as Interim Director of Legacy Housing Foundation and as General Manager of community public radio station WDVX, which is located in the Knoxville Visitor Center. Linda’s professional background also includes independent documentary, lifestyle television and corporate video production and Managing Producer of the Emmy-award winning program, "The Heartland Series," on Knoxville NBC affiliate WBIR-TV.

Meg​ Counts

[email protected]

Meg Counts is the Sr. Manager of Team Member Experience and Corporate Giving at the Pilot Company. Meg leads the company’s philanthropic initiatives in Knoxville and across the Pilot Flying J footprint in North America. She is overseeing a multimillion dollar philanthropic campaigns in connection with the company’s giving strategy. She oversees all donations will be made to both local and national organizations that align with our company’s mission, and is charged with identifying partnerships; researching and vetting the national recipients; and coordinating the process from start to finish. Meg also creates and manages the programs and events for the sales and support center in Knoxville including the company’s largest conference for its travel center general managers. She manages a busy professional life, while making family a priority with her husband, Kevin Counts, who also works at the Pilot Company, and their two daughters Keally (11) and Frances (8).

Kristen Farley

[email protected]

Kristin was born in Washington D.C., but has called Knoxville home since 2004. She is currently the Communications Director for the City of Knoxville. Before joining the City, she was an Emmy award winning news reporter and anchor, having worked as a journalist for more than 26 years throughout West Virginia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Kristin believes in giving back to her community. She currently sits on several boards, is the former president of the non-profit Girls on the Run, has served as a tour guide for East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and received the 2019 Pope Francis service award. As the Communications Director for the City of Knoxville, Kristin and her team are dedicated to promoting and supporting all aspects of the City of Knoxville. Through news releases, social media posts, public service campaigns and more—the Department of Communications works to highlight critical services, promote citywide events, and educate people about local initiatives. In her spare time she enjoys running, hiking and traveling with her family.

Becky Huckaby

[email protected]

Becky Huckaby, APR, Fellow PRSA, A.A.E., is the Vice President of Public Relations for the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which owns and operates both McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island Airports in Knoxville, TN. Through her role, she oversees all facets of internal and external communication including media relations, social media strategy, employee communication and customer service. Huckaby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Communication & Information from the University of Tennessee. She attained her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 2008. And in May 2018, she earned the designation of Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E) from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives. And in October 2019, she was inducted into PRSA’s College of Fellows. For the past 15 years, she has shared her passion for communication with college students as a lecturer for both the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and King University, teaching courses on professional communication, persuasion, public relations writing, advanced speech and campaigns. She spends her free time with her husband and two children at ballfields, concerts and on the water of our region’s beautiful lakes. She loves to read entertaining stories about interesting people and traveling the world while exploring new cities and cultures.

Paul Jordan

[email protected]

Paul Jordan is an accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. Paul served as the General Manager for the Hilton Knoxville hotel for 12 years before assuming the role of Area General Manager for Aimbridge Hospitality in the downtown Knoxville area. Paul also serves as the President of the Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association. Prior to his time in Knoxville, he served as a hotel professional with Davidson Hotels in multiple locations. As the Area General Manager for the Hilton Knoxville, Marriott Downtown, and the Tennessean he is driven by delivering meaningful experiences for both his fellow associates and his guests. He takes great pride in being a passionate hands-on leader focusing on delivering exceptional hospitality at every opportunity. Paul is a forward-thinking leader that continuously focuses on improvement for both him and the establishment. He is married to his lovely wife Tonya, has four children and two grandchildren who have given life a whole new level of appreciation. Paul enjoys traveling, sports and all things to do with food. He loves the city of Knoxville and is eager to be a part of the Visit Knoxville Team and the exciting growth in our future.

Joeseph Mack

Joe grew up in the Bronx and enlisted in the Navy in 1983 where he served at sea and ashore on active duty for 30 years until his retirement on August 1, 2013. During his sea tours, he earned both the Surface and Aviation Warfare designations. When he was stationed ashore, he graduated from the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy, earned his Certification as a Command Fitness Leader, and as a Master Training Specialist during a rewarding tour as a Recruit Division Commander, where he also served as President of the Recruit Training Command Chief Petty Officers Association. During his off-duty hours, he became a Certified Counselor with the Department of Labor and earned a bachelor’s degree in management from American Military University. He served on the Board of Directors and was both the President and Vice President of the National Navy Counselors Association. His passion and willingness to serve grew, which led to him serving the communities where he was stationed. He loved coaching youth sports, mentoring and tutoring students from Rhode Island to California and wherever he was stationed in between. Upon his retirement from the Navy in 2013, he started coaching high school, middle school, and youth sports in Covington, TN (basketball, football, and soccer). He also served as the Football Commissioner for the Tipton County Youth Tackle Football League. In July 2016 he was hired as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Covington where he continued to serve in the community as the President of the Covington Rotary Club from 2017-2018, Chairman of the Tipton County Foster Care Review Board and Vice Chairman of the Drug Free Tipton Coalition. He continues to strive to grow intellectually, and spiritually. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and a Certified Nutrition Specialist/Coach. In July of 2021, he was hired as the Senior Director of Parks and Recreation for Knox County, TN. Joseph is married to the former Jennifer Bowen, Senior Chief Petty Officer (Retired) they have six children Jamaal, Joneya, Shandi, Justice, Jackson, and Jacoby (Bo), and one grandchild Jayden.

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What are you looking for, see things differently, welcome to britain.

Discover inventive new experiences and captivating stories in 2024, brought together with a dose of British flair. From exploring film settings and pioneering cultural spaces to countryside trails and relaxing wellness retreats, it’s all happening on our shores and you’re invited!

Join immersive exhibitions as the National Gallery celebrates a landmark anniversary or get a taste for chocolate as Birmingham’s Cadbury World also marks its 200th birthday. Venture off the beaten track for new coastal adventures, exploring new trails and walking routes, or take in sporting action as the world’s best compete in everything from athletics to the Premier League.

Whether it’s getting a feel for our vibrant cultural cities, embarking on a coastal adventure, or discovering locations made famous by film and TV, it’s time to experience Britain differently.

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Explore different

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Glen Coe, Scotland

Spilling the tea on GB

We’re spilling the tea on the hottest experiences – and it’s not just a good old brew that we’re mad about.

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Key sporting moments in 2024

Grab your tickets, or a spot by a screen, and join the atmosphere of brilliant British sport.

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Day trips from London

Britain packs a punch when it comes to the eclectic range of destinations within close proximity to London.

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How to see Britain differently

From gastronomic adventures to eco-friendly stays, there’s always more to explore on Britain’s shores.

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Providing you with inspirational activities and experiences, from those in the know.

Your guidance and information about travelling to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Helping the travel industry showcase the best of Britain.

Cultural hotspots

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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From palaces to cobbled alleys and even a dormant volcano, this city is a real show-stopper.

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World-class football and a music scene that brought Oasis to centre stage – there’s lots to love about Manchester.

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A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.

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Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

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Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

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Pushing the boundaries of art and culture, with a heart that beats through its people.

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An industrial hub with a vibrant, creative heart and a whole host of quirky adventures.

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Linked by no fewer than seven bridges, it's one vibrant place to visit.

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Packed with lively pubs, an eclectic food scene and a myriad of immersive experiences.

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Discover the land of Big Ben, Banksy and bangers and mash. From its bustling cities to its blooming beautiful gardens, it doesn’t disappoint.

Discover Great Britain’s northern reaches

Imagine a country where ancient castles guard mysterious lochs and emerald glens, and where the local spirit is as warm as the welcome.

Discover a land of adventure and mythical creatures

Delve into a world of dragons, renowned choirs, championship rugby, and some of the most spellbinding scenery Britain has to offer.

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Get swept up in a world of ancient myths and modern-day legends, from the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones to the vibrant buzz of Belfast.

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• Blog / Phone Number , Virtual Phone Number For Social Media

How to Sign up for VK Account without a Phone Number?

• 8 minute read

VK (Vkontakte) is a famous social media network in Russia. Using this platform, people can browse photos and videos and make video or audio calls with their dearest ones. Similarly, you need a valid phone number to sign up for VK.

Nowadays, people prefer not to use their personal numbers to register on social media. They want to maintain their privacy and skip the phone verification steps.

But, creating an account on VK requires a phone number and paying attention to the phone number verification steps. So, what’s the solution?

Luckily, some methods are available to use VK safely without phone numbers. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to sign up for VK without phone number, including: 

• How to get a virtual number for VK.
• Some benefits of getting a virtual number for VK
• Other alternatives available to register in VK without using your number
• How to sign up in VK using other alternatives
• Pros and cons of those alternatives

Table of Contents

Can I Join VK Without a Phone Number?

Yes, you can Join on a VK account without using a phone number. 

How to Sign Up for a VK Account Without Phone Number? 

Method 1: use a virtual number to create a vk account.

One best alternative available to register on VK is using a virtual number.  With a virtual mobile number, you can protect your privacy and stay secure while using the platform. 

Where Can I Buy A Virtual Number For VK?

You can quickly obtain virtual numbers from many service providers available in the market, like KrispCall, Grasshopper, RingCentral , etc. These providers may provide virtual numbers for VK for free or on a paid basis.

Likewise, you must follow below some basic steps to get an online virtual number for VK.       

• Choose the best virtual phone number provider, such as KrispCall . 
• Go to the provider’s website.
• Create your account, then log in with the correct credentials.
• Select the desired country and preferred virtual number.  
• Choose the pricing plan.
• Make payment and purchase a virtual number.

Get Virtual Phone Number for VK Online.

Verify your VK account with virtual phone number and keep your info private.

Select numbers :

* Disclaimer : Please note that OTP delivery relies exclusively on VK. Our VK tests were successful, though certain providers may not support VoIP numbers. The KrispCall system guarantees unhindered communication by not blocking messages.

How to Sign up for VK With a Virtual Number?

You can easily register for VK from anywhere using a virtual phone number.  You only need a valid virtual number.

For more information on how to create an account on VK with a virtual phone number , please see the guide below.

• Visit VK’s official website or download mobile apps from the app store .

• Click on the Sign-up option. 

• Type the virtual number you purchase from the service provider, then click the Continue button.

• You will get a four-digit verification code on your virtual number via phone calls or messages. Type a four-digit verification code correctly.

• Provide your full name, date of birth, and gender . Then click on the Continue registration button.

• Create a password to secure your account. And then tap the Continue button.

Pros and Cons of Using a Virtual Number For VK

Using a virtual number to create an account on VK is advantageous and disadvantageous. Let’s look at some pros and cons of using a virtual number for VK:

• It allows you to set up a VK account without revealing your identity.
• Virtual phone number services are available in almost all countries. As a result, it provides you with more flexibility and accessibility to create a VK account.
• You can also buy virtual numbers of other countries to create a VX account.
• It requires a stable internet connection to receive a verification code.
• VK may not accept unreliable virtual numbers from unreliable providers.

Note : VK is also available in mobile applications.  You can download it from app stores.                          

Method 2: Use a Temporary Number

Among many uses of a temporary number , one usage is to use it to register in VK. By using a temporary number, you no longer need to use your number for the verification process.

How to Sign Up for VK Using a Temporary Number?

To activate your VK account, take into account below steps:

• Visit VK’s official website or download mobile apps on your mobile .
• Enter the temporary number you received from the service provider , like getfreesmsonline.com , then click the Continue button.
• You will get a four-digit verification code on your temporary number platform (website). Type a four-digit verification code correctly.
• Fill out all the necessary details. Then click on the Continue button.
• Create a password to protect your VK account. And then click Continue .
• Your VK account is now available. Start browsing photos and videos.

Pros And Cons Of Using Temporary Numbers For VK

It’s crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of using a temporary number before setting up a VK account. 

• Your personal phone number remains undisclosed, as you can use temporary numbers to receive verification codes. 
• Temporary numbers are easy to set up. 
• You can receive verification codes without a SIM card.
• Temporary numbers are cheaper.
• Temporary numbers may be unavailable in every country or region, limiting your ability to take advantage of these services.
• It expires after a certain period.

Method 3: Use Friends/Family Member’s Numbers 

You can use your friends or family members’ phone numbers to activate your VK account if they have no problem sharing their phone numbers with you. 

How to Sign Up for VK Using Your Friends/Family Member’s Numbers?

Steps to set up a VK account using your friend’s/ family member’s numbers instead of yours are as follows:

• Enter your friend’s/ family members’ numbers, then tap the Continue button.
• A four-digit verification will be sent to your friend’s phone numbers. Enter a verification code correctly. Click resend code if you don’t get one.
• Create a password to protect your VK account. Then click Continue .
• You are now a member of VK.

Pros And Cons Of Using Friends/Family Member’s Numbers For VK

It is possible to sign up for VK using the phone numbers of friends and family members, but doing so also comes with some drawbacks and advantages.

• It eliminates the need to buy virtual and temporary numbers.
• You can receive activation codes simply by contacting the phone number owner.
• It may create a thread on your friends or family’s personal data.
• You must ask your friends or family for their phone numbers whenever you want to verify or access your VK account.

How to recover a VK Account without Phone Number?

You can recover a VK account without phone number by following the step by step process given below:

• Visit the VK account recovery page with the site link: https://vk.com/restore
• Put your email address of your VK account and click “Continue”.
• Look for a recovery email message from VK.
• Open the recovery link in the receive email.
• Generate a new password for your VK account and re-enter it two times.
• Lastly, Click “ Continue ” to finalize the recovery process.

There are many ways available to register for VK account without using a phone number such as using virtual numbers, temporary numbers, and friends or family members’ numbers. 

Among these ways, using a virtual number for VK is a great way to protect your privacy and stay secure while using the platform. With it, you can keep your personal phone number separate from your VK account. And unlinking your private phone number means you won’t receive unwanted calls or messages.

However, you should be cautious when purchasing virtual numbers from unknown sources. We recommend buying a virtual number from KrispCall to ensure the highest level of safety while using VK. With KrispCall virtual numbers, you can enjoy using VK without worrying about compromised privacy or security.                  

How to register a VK account without a phone number?

You can register a VK account without using your personal phone number by using a cloud-based virtual number or temporary number. You can also use your friends or family member’s number to join VK social networking platform.

Can i Join VK outside from Russia?

Yes, you can join VK outside from Russia with the help of virtual phone number.

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Dinesh Silwal

Dinesh Silwal is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of KrispCall. For the past few years, he has been advancing and innovating in the cloud telephony industry, using AI to enhance and improve telephony solutions, and driving KrispCall to the forefront of the field.

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On Kendrapara tour, VK Pandian attacks Kendrapara

KENDRAPARA: Launching a veiled attack on the C, chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha VK Pandian said people who sleep with their eyes open can never see the development taking place in Odisha.

Addressing a public meeting near Baladevjew temple during his visit to Kendrapara, Pandian said Odisha has made rapid strides in various fields. In disaster management, the state has achieved global recognition. However, some people are not able to see Odisha’s transformation.

“You can’t wake up kids who pretend to be asleep. Similarly, there are some people who are refusing to open their eyes to the development of Odisha. They should be allowed to remain asleep,” he said taking a dig at the Opposition. Instead, they should cooperate with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who is working relentlessly to ensure the welfare of the people.

The 5T chairman further said Kendrapara has a special place in the heart of the chief minister as it was the ‘karmabhumi’ (workplace) of Biju Babu. Hence, the CM is constantly striving to develop Kendrapara.

“The world’s largest investment will be in Kendrapara. The district will undergo a massive transformation after Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel (AMNS) sets up its plant here. It will create massive employment opportunities for the local youths,” he said and informed that all schools and colleges will be transformed within two months.

Pandian also highlighted the government’s achievements in various fields like disaster management, food security, health services, agriculture, sports and communication among others. On the day, he reviewed various development works and interacted with farmers, Mission Shakti members and beneficiaries of various government schemes.

He reviewed the ongoing bridge project over the Brahmani River at Kereragada. The project is being implemented for 59.87 crore. He also informed that Rs 3.o3 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Jagannath temple at Kereragada.

Apart from announcing funds for various projects, the 5T chairman said buses under LAccMI scheme will roll out in the district by February next year. Pandian offered prayers at Baladevjew temple and held discussions with the priests, temple management committee members and other stakeholders on issues about the development of the shrine.

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• జిల్లాల వార్తలు ఆదిలాబాద్ కరీంనగర్ కామారెడ్డి కుమ్రంభీం ఆసిఫాబాద్ ఖమ్మం జగిత్యాల జనగాం జయశంకర్-భూపాల‌ప‌ల్లి జోగులాంబ(గద్వాల) నల్లగొండ నాగర్ కర్నూల్ నారాయణపేట నిజామాబాద్ నిర్మల్ పెద్దపల్లి భద్రాద్రి -కొత్తగూడెం మంచిర్యాల మహబూబాబాద్ మహబూబ్ నగర్ ములుగు మెదక్ మేడ్చల్‌ మల్కాజ్‌గిరి యాదాద్రి రంగారెడ్డి రాజన్న సిరిసిల్ల వనపర్తి వరంగల్‌ హనుమకొండ వికారాబాద్ సంగారెడ్డి సిద్దిపేట సూర్యాపేట హైదరాబాద్‌

పాండియన్‌ నా వారసుడు కాదు

వీకే పాండియన్‌ తన రాజకీయ వారసుడు కాదని ఒడిశా సీఎం నవీన్‌ పట్నాయక్‌ స్పష్టం చేశారు. తన వారసుడ్ని రాష్ట్ర ప్రజలే నిర్ణయిస్తారని గురువారం ఓ వార్తా సంస్థతో మాట్లాడుతూ పేర్కొన్నారు..

• దాన్ని రాష్ట్ర ప్రజలే నిర్ణయిస్తారు
• ఒడిశా సీఎం నవీన్‌ పట్నాయక్‌

భువనేశ్వర్‌, మే 30: వీకే పాండియన్‌ తన రాజకీయ వారసుడు కాదని ఒడిశా సీఎం నవీన్‌ పట్నాయక్‌ స్పష్టం చేశారు. తన వారసుడ్ని రాష్ట్ర ప్రజలే నిర్ణయిస్తారని గురువారం ఓ వార్తా సంస్థతో మాట్లాడుతూ పేర్కొన్నారు. తన తరపున అన్ని నిర్ణయాలు పాండియనే తీసుకొంటూ షాడో సీఎంగా ఉన్నారన్న ఆరోపణలపై స్పందిస్తూ.. ‘ఇది హస్యాస్పదం. దీనికి ఏమాత్రం ఆధారాలు లేవు’ అని అన్నారు. తమిళనాడుకు చెందిన మాజీ బ్యూరోక్రాట్‌ వీకే పాండియన్‌ నవీన్‌ పట్నాయక్‌కు బీజేడీ పార్టీలో, ప్రభుత్వంలో అత్యంత సన్నిహితుడిగా కొనసాగుతున్నారు.

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