Marina, a 45-year-old freelance copywriter, has long relied on WhatsApp for both her professional and personal communications. However, a recent disruption in service left her grappling with uncertainty. A call to a colleague failed to connect, prompting a switch to Telegram, another widely used messaging app in Russia, which also proved ineffective. This incident is part of a larger trend affecting millions of Russians due to new restrictions imposed by Roskomnadzor, the country’s media regulator, on calls made through these popular platforms.
The timing of these restrictions aligns with the launch of a new “national messenger” app called Max, developed by a Russian firm under close Kremlin oversight. With an estimated 97 million users on WhatsApp and 90 million on Telegram in a nation of 143 million, these apps are integral to daily life, facilitating everything from family chats to community organization. WhatsApp, in particular, has gained traction among older demographics due to its user-friendly interface.
In remote areas, especially in the Far East, WhatsApp serves a crucial role beyond mere messaging. With sluggish mobile browsing speeds, residents utilize the app for coordinating local affairs, ordering taxis, purchasing goods, and sharing news. Both WhatsApp and Telegram offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages and calls remain private. However, officials have raised concerns about data storage compliance and the potential for scams, despite statistics indicating that most scams occur over traditional mobile networks.
Marina, who resides in Tula, a city south of Moscow, expresses her discontent with the government’s actions. She believes the crackdown is a deliberate attempt to stifle social connections and mutual support among citizens. “The authorities don’t want us, ordinary people, to maintain any kind of relationships,” she states, opting to use a pseudonym due to the risks associated with speaking to foreign media.
A state-approved super-app
The Max app is being heavily promoted by celebrities and influencers, and as of September 1, all devices sold in Russia must come pre-installed with it. Developed by VK, which operates the country’s largest social network, Max is poised to function as a super-app, integrating various services, including government digital services and banking. This model echoes China’s WeChat, which is not only essential for daily activities but also serves as a tool for surveillance and censorship.
Max’s privacy policy raises alarms, as it permits the sharing of user information with third parties and government entities, potentially exposing users to security risks. In a climate where dissent can lead to prosecution, the implications of such data sharing are significant. The Russian government already possesses extensive means to monitor its citizens, including mandatory SIM card registration linked to national IDs and access to telecom infrastructure, which allows tracking of calls and locations.
As of this month, sharing a SIM card with anyone other than close relatives has become illegal. Yet, with Max, the potential for authorities to access private messages increases, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to avoid the app. Schools are now required to transition parent communication to Max, while in regions like Rostov, it is being utilized as an alert system, further embedding the app into daily life.
Despite the aggressive push for Max, it currently trails behind its competitors, claiming only 30 million users. The Kremlin has historically been wary of the freedoms the internet affords, with initial legislative restrictions emerging in 2012 following mass protests. The situation escalated after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, leading to the blocking of popular social media platforms and independent media, accessible only through VPNs.
State-induced digital detox
In addition to the challenges posed by WhatsApp and Telegram, many Russians are adjusting to life without mobile internet, as entire cities experience regular outages. Since May, mobile internet disruptions have affected every region, with peak outages impacting up to 77 regions simultaneously. Authorities justify these measures as a means to protect against potential drone attacks from Ukraine, although experts question their efficacy.
In Vladimir, a city east of Moscow, residents have faced prolonged internet blackouts, complicating everyday tasks such as checking bus schedules or hailing taxis. State media has framed these disruptions as a “digital detox,” showcasing residents who claim to enjoy the break from screens. However, the reality for many is far less idyllic, as essential services become increasingly difficult to access.
The government is now developing a plan to restrict online access to only vital services during outages, including banking and the Max messenger. This raises concerns about potential misuse of such measures for broader control over the population. Digital rights advocates warn that the Kremlin’s approach mirrors that of China, where internet freedoms are tightly regulated.
For now, those hesitant to adopt Max can still find alternatives. Marina’s mother, a school teacher, was instructed to download the app but cleverly claimed she lacked a smartphone. While traditional mobile networks remain an option, they come with higher costs and less security. As government oversight of the internet tightens, the avenues for evasion may dwindle, leaving many to navigate an increasingly restricted digital landscape.
Additional reporting by Yaroslava Kiryukhina
