communication restrictions Archives

AppWizard

October 31, 2025

Crimea restricts usage of messaging apps

Local authorities in Crimea have imposed restrictions on messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp, impacting communication for residents. This decision was confirmed by Volna, the largest telecom operator in Crimea, stating that the restrictions were enacted by Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications regulatory body. The "Crimean Ministry of Communications" has recommended that residents switch to the Russian-developed Max messenger app. Additionally, Crimea has been experiencing significant communication issues for several days, complicating the situation for its residents.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Madagascar Protesters Turn to Offline Messaging App as Crisis Deepens

Protests erupted in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on September 25, 2025, due to daily power cuts exceeding 12 hours, escalating into violence and resulting in five fatalities. Law enforcement responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, and a curfew was imposed. The protests, led by three municipal officials, were named “Leo Délestage.” Amid the unrest, interest in the offline messaging app Bitchat surged, with downloads reaching over 71,000 in the week of the protests. Bitchat operates via Bluetooth without requiring internet access, catering to the digital inequality in Madagascar, where only 6.6 million of 32 million residents have internet access. Similar patterns of increased Bitchat downloads were observed in Nepal and Indonesia during political unrest. Bitchat, launched in July 2025 by Jack Dorsey, is designed for decentralized and private communication, making it a vital resource for protesters in Madagascar.

AppWizard

August 29, 2025

Russia enforces Max messenger app on all new devices

The Kremlin plans to evolve Max into a national "super app" by integrating communication, payments, and administrative functions, with a mandatory pre-installation on devices sold in Russia starting January 1, 2026. Smart TVs sold in Russia will also come pre-installed with Lime HD TV for free access to Russian state television. The app faces restrictions alongside messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, which have been blocked due to national security concerns. Max is being promoted as a successor to VK Messenger, with directives issued for public institutions to transition to Max by November. Despite promotional efforts, users have reported technical difficulties and privacy concerns, as the app collects extensive user data. Max cannot be installed with foreign phone numbers, limiting access for Russians abroad. Celebrities are being recruited to promote Max, while user feedback has been mixed, with concerns regarding reliability and privacy. The app has met security requirements for integration with government services and is envisioned to facilitate various services in the future.

AppWizard

August 23, 2025

Russia mandates spy messenger app in occupied Ukraine

Yevhenia Virlych, editor-in-chief of Kavun.City, discussed the challenges faced by residents in temporarily occupied territories, highlighting communication restrictions imposed by Russian authorities. She noted that messaging applications are disrupted and that a Russian-promoted messaging app may activate users' cameras without consent, raising privacy concerns. Virlych reported a critical shortage of medical services and medicines in these regions and mentioned that many communities are experiencing severe water shortages due to the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant. Additionally, on August 8, the National Resistance Center stated that residents are being forced to install spyware for data collection by Russian intelligence. A complete blackout occurred on August 19 in the occupied regions of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson.

AppWizard

August 16, 2025

Russia Blocks Calls on Popular Messaging Apps

Russia’s telecommunications authority, Roskomnadzor, has imposed restrictions on voice and video calls via WhatsApp and Telegram, citing the need to protect the population from fraud related to foreign messenger services. Citizens are encouraged to transition to Max, a new Russian messaging application that allows state intelligence services easier access to user data. Journalist Viktor Shenderovich commented that these actions reflect a shift towards a more oppressive regime, noting growing frustrations among the populace due to ongoing conflicts and communication restrictions. Reports indicate that the Kremlin is limiting access to information under various pretexts, with the security services alleging that Ukraine uses Telegram for recruitment and sabotage. Additionally, a Human Rights Watch report highlighted the government's efforts to expand technological capabilities to obstruct access to undesirable websites, impacting press freedom and online expression. The messaging app Max was launched by VK, a company acquired by Yuri Kovalchuk, a close ally of President Putin, and is being promoted aggressively through state-owned media despite being privately owned.

AppWizard

December 17, 2024

Messaging app Viber blocked in Russia

Russia has officially blocked the Viber messaging app due to alleged violations of laws aimed at preventing terrorism, extremism, and drug-related activities, as announced by Roskomnadzor. Viber, owned by Japan's Rakuten Group, opposes Russian disinformation campaigns. This ban is part of a broader trend of digital crackdowns in Russia, affecting platforms that challenge state narratives.