Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, the Kremlin has intensified its efforts to restrict Russian citizens’ access to foreign websites, social media platforms, and any information that diverges from state narratives. This tightening grip on digital freedoms is poised to escalate further, as lawmakers have recently passed new legislation imposing fines for searching for “extremist” content online and for advertising VPN services. Experts caution that these amendments represent one of the most significant challenges to digital freedom in contemporary Russian history.
In addition to these measures, Russian authorities are contemplating a ban on WhatsApp, a messaging service with approximately 100 million users in the country, in favor of a domestic alternative known as Max. This shift comes amid reports of mobile internet outages attributed to Ukrainian drone threats affecting various regions across Russia.
Online search censorship
On Tuesday, the State Duma approved amendments in their final reading that introduce penalties for the intentional search and access of “extremist” materials online, including through VPN services. The proposed changes also target the advertising of VPNs. Previously, Russian law did not penalize users for merely searching online; it only addressed the creation or distribution of prohibited content. Once these amendments receive approval from the upper-house Federation Council and are signed into law by President Vladimir Putin, they are set to take effect on September 1.
Senator Artyom Sheikin, a co-author of the proposals, clarified that the amendments primarily target internet providers and technical intermediaries rather than individual users. Under the new legislation, individuals could face fines of up to 5,000 rubles (approximately ) for searching for “extremist” materials. This legislative move has drawn criticism even from pro-Kremlin figures and members of the Duma.
Deputy State Duma Speaker Vladislav Davankov, representing the New People party, remarked that this is the first instance in Russia where individuals could be fined not for distributing content but simply for accessing it, often inadvertently. Yekaterina Mizulina, head of the Kremlin-aligned Safe Internet League, expressed concern that the legislation could impede her organization’s operations, as about 30% of their work involves monitoring extremist content and reporting it to law enforcement, which could now be deemed unlawful under the new rules.
Messenger restrictions
Russian officials are also considering a ban on WhatsApp, which has remained operational despite its parent company Meta being designated as an extremist organization shortly after the Ukraine invasion. Anton Gorelkin, the first deputy chair of the State Duma’s Information Policy Committee, suggested that WhatsApp should prepare to exit the Russian market. He indicated that the platform is likely to be included on a government list of software from “unfriendly” countries facing new restrictions.
Last week, President Putin instructed the government to draft proposals by September 1 aimed at further limiting the use of software, including communication services, from countries deemed “unfriendly” by Russia, which notably includes the U.S. Sources close to the presidential administration have indicated that WhatsApp is almost certain to be blocked, with security services spearheading the initiative. One Kremlin-linked source conveyed a “99% chance” of this occurring, suggesting that citizens would be directed to use Max for all interactions with government entities.
The Max messenger, currently in testing, is expected to serve as Russia’s national messaging platform, akin to China’s WeChat, which has faced accusations of user surveillance and data sharing with the government. Beyond basic messaging, Max aims to integrate functionalities such as signing official documents, making payments, and facilitating communication with schools and government agencies. However, concerns have arisen regarding Max’s data collection practices, with reports suggesting it may gather user data, including IP addresses and activity logs, and reserve the right to share this information with third parties and government bodies.
In recent days, approximately 680 bots have been observed promoting Max as a “secure alternative messaging app” while disparaging WhatsApp on social media platforms. Despite the lack of a final decision regarding the ban on foreign messaging applications, reports indicate that both WhatsApp and Telegram have experienced multiple short-term outages across various regions of Russia since early July, raising suspicions that these disruptions may be intentional rather than mere technical glitches.
Internet outages
In the past weeks, at least 40 Russian regions have reported mobile internet outages, coinciding with an increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territories. While the most significant disruptions occurred during notable national holidays, such as Victory Day and Russia Day, citizens have also reported connectivity issues on ordinary days.
Some analysts suggest that these internet shutdowns serve a dual purpose: not only to counter drone threats but also as a means to advance the “sovereignization” of Russia’s internet infrastructure. Dmitry Zair-Bek, head of the human rights group Perviy Otdel, posited that the mobile internet shutdown in the Sverdlovsk region, which has not experienced any Ukrainian attacks, may exemplify this strategy.
