As part of a growing trend towards internet censorship, Russia has targeted popular messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram with new restrictions. These measures align with the recent rollout of Max, a state-approved 'super-app' expected to become central to digital life in Russia.
The shift in communication dynamics has significantly impacted millions, including Marina, a freelancer, who has complained of abruptly being unable to use WhatsApp due to the restrictions imposed by the media regulator, Roskomnadzor. WhatsApp and Telegram boast a combined user base of nearly 200 million, making them integral resources for personal and professional interactions across the country.
Max, which is promoted heavily by Russian celebrities, aims to consolidate various digital services, possibly making it an equivalent to China's WeChat, known for dual functionality as an everyday application and government surveillance tool. The app's privacy guidelines state it can share user information with government agencies, raising significant concerns about user privacy in a nation with a history of suppressing dissent.
The Kremlin's actions coincide with daily internet outages in numerous regions designed, they say, to protect infrastructure from Ukrainian drone attacks, though many experts doubt the efficacy of such measures. Residents across impacted areas complain about the lack of reliable internet for everyday needs, with many turning to alternative solutions as state control tightens.
The government's campaign against WhatsApp and Telegram, coupled with aggressive promotion of the Max app, represents a significant step toward increased digital state oversight and a shift away from the relative freedoms previously enjoyed by Russian internet users.
