Russian regulators are taking significant steps to limit the use of popular messaging applications WhatsApp and Telegram, marking a pivotal moment in their ongoing campaign to channel users towards a newly introduced government-managed “super app.” This initiative, spearheaded by Roskomnadzor, the agency responsible for overseeing Russia’s Internet, is part of a broader, multi-year strategy aimed at controlling the flow of information accessible to Russian citizens.
Regulatory Measures and Justifications
In a statement released on August 13, Roskomnadzor announced that it would impose partial restrictions on phone calls made through Telegram and WhatsApp. The agency justified these measures by claiming that these platforms are frequently exploited for fraudulent activities, including deception, extortion, and even involvement in sabotage and terrorism. “We inform you that in order to combat criminals, in accordance with the materials of law enforcement agencies, measures are being taken to partially restrict calls in these foreign messengers,” the agency stated, as reported by state news outlets.
This development follows the recent launch of Max, a new application developed by VK, the social media giant formerly known as VKontakte. Observers note that Max appears to draw inspiration from the Chinese app WeChat, which integrates various services into a single platform. For years, Russian authorities have grappled with how to effectively monitor or control the use of WhatsApp and Telegram, both of which have become integral to communication in the country.
Homegrown Alternatives and Broader Internet Control
In addition to targeting Western tech giants like Facebook, Google, Apple, and Amazon, Russian authorities have been nurturing domestic alternatives such as Yandex, VK, and Mail.ru, seeking to establish oversight or outright control over these platforms. VK, led by CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko, the son of a prominent Kremlin adviser, is not only at the forefront of developing the Max app but is also working on alternatives to popular services like YouTube.
Max is envisioned as a comprehensive super app that would enable users to engage in a variety of activities, including chatting, banking, dating, hailing taxis, paying taxes, downloading music, playing games, ordering food, and sharing photos. This consolidation of services would also provide regulators with enhanced capabilities to monitor online activities.
Responses from Messaging Platforms and Experts
In response to the imposed restrictions, WhatsApp confirmed the limitations and expressed its commitment to ensuring that communication protected by end-to-end encryption remains accessible to users globally, including those in Russia. Meanwhile, Mikhail Klimarev, an activist and director of the Internet Protection Society, commented on the implications of these regulatory actions. He noted, “They now want greater control over the information that Russians consume.” Klimarev further explained that Roskomnadzor cannot abruptly sever access to these messaging services, as doing so would significantly impact the economy and be challenging to justify to the public. “Society is already under great stress, and then this. Instant blocking cannot lead to anything good,” he cautioned.
