Russia’s telecommunications authority, Roskomnadzor, has recently imposed restrictions on voice and video calls via popular messaging platforms WhatsApp and Telegram. The agency justified these measures by asserting the need to “protect the population from fraud” associated with “foreign messenger services.” In a notable twist, citizens are being encouraged to transition to Max, a new Russian messaging application that reportedly provides state intelligence services with easier access to user data.
Keeping even regime-loyal users in check
Journalist Viktor Shenderovich shared his thoughts on this development via Facebook, suggesting that such actions are reminiscent of a shift towards a more oppressive regime akin to North Korea. He remarked, “This is a predictable and sweeping move… a blow to the daily lives and habits of millions of Russians, most of whom are by no means liberals! What is clear is that anger is building up within the country.” Shenderovich highlighted the mounting frustrations stemming from ongoing conflicts, economic challenges, and the restrictions on communication, noting that while the populace remains largely silent, the blocking of messaging apps has made it easier for the government to maintain control.
Freedom of expression further restricted
Radio Europa Liberă has reported that the Kremlin is leveraging various pretexts to limit citizens’ access to information. The Russian security services have frequently alleged that Ukraine is utilizing Telegram for recruitment and sabotage efforts, which has intensified scrutiny on these platforms. A Human Rights Watch report from July 2025 indicated that the Russian government is expanding its technological capabilities to obstruct and slow down access to undesirable websites, as part of a broader strategy to curtail press freedom and free expression online.
Kremlin pushing private project as a replacement
In a Telegram post shared by Echo, research specialist Andrei Sakharov provided insight into the origins of the new app, Max. He noted that in late 2021, banker Yuri Kovalchuk, a close ally of President Putin, acquired the holding company VK. Following this acquisition, VK launched Max in March 2025, shortly after the passage of a law promoting a “national messenger.” Sakharov pointed out that state officials have been aggressively promoting this VK project through state-owned media. He emphasized that the state is employing a combination of repression and forceful advertising to compel citizens to adopt a “national messenger” that, paradoxically, is not owned by the state but by a single individual. This approach starkly contrasts with the Chinese model, which features multiple competing messaging platforms not directly controlled by the government.
