Russia has imposed new restrictions on voice calls through WhatsApp and Telegram, while aggressively promoting a state-controlled super-app called Max, as widespread internet blackouts disrupt connectivity across the country.
The restrictions, enforced by Roskomnadzor since mid-August, have affected millions of Russians who rely on these apps for daily communication, with WhatsApp and Telegram having 97 million and 90 million users respectively. From parents’ chats to business coordination, these platforms are deeply embedded in Russian society, especially in remote areas where mobile internet is slow.
The crackdown coincides with the rollout of Max, a messaging app developed by VK, a company linked to Gazprom and allies of Vladimir Putin, which is now mandatory on all new devices sold in Russia from September 1. Max is being promoted by pop stars and bloggers and is designed as a super-app integrating government services, banking, and other functions, mirroring China’s WeChat model.
However, Max’s privacy policy allows data sharing with third parties and government bodies, raising significant surveillance concerns. In a country where critical speech is often prosecuted, this move is seen by experts and citizens as an effort to monitor communications and suppress dissent, rather than the official justification of scam prevention and data compliance.
Concurrently, many Russian regions are experiencing regular mobile internet blackouts, with authorities attributing them to countering Ukrainian drone attacks. Since May, every region has faced shutdowns, peaking at 77 regions simultaneously, causing disruptions to transportation, commerce, and remote work. Residents report inability to check bus schedules, rising taxi fares, and lost income, with some officials dismissively suggesting affected workers join the military effort.
The government is developing a system to allow access only to essential services like banking and Max during shutdowns, which digital rights advocates warn could be exploited for broader censorship beyond security needs. This approach reflects a long-term Kremlin strategy to control the internet, with restrictions escalating since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including blocks on social media and bans on VPN advertisements.
Despite the aggressive push, Max currently has only about 30 million users, far behind its rivals, and some Russians are finding ways to avoid it, such as claiming lack of smartphones or using alternative apps. However, as government control tightens and internet availability wanes, options for evasion are diminishing, highlighting a significant reduction in digital freedoms.
The cumulative impact underscores a shift towards a more controlled internet environment in Russia, with implications for privacy, economic activities, and daily life, as the state moves closer to a model similar to China’s centralized digital ecosystem.