legislation

AppWizard
August 14, 2025
Officials in North Ossetia are required to use the Russian messaging app Max for all official communications, as mandated by Daniil Gakhov, head of the region's Digital Development Committee. This directive is part of a federal initiative promoting 'digital sovereignty' in Russia and follows restrictions on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. A working group has been formed under regional head Sergei Menyailo to facilitate Max's integration into government operations, with communications to foreign services restricted to this domestic app due to national security concerns. President Vladimir Putin has called for increased use of Max within government frameworks. A new law aims to streamline domestic digital services and create a unified national information exchange service. Users have reported disruptions in established platforms, with selective blocking being tested by telecom operators. The introduction of Max has raised skepticism, especially regarding user data access by state authorities. Meanwhile, residents of Ingushetia are experiencing mobile data outages affecting essential services.
AppWizard
August 14, 2025
Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, announced restrictions on calls made through WhatsApp and Telegram to combat criminal activities. The agency claims these messaging apps have become primary channels for fraud, extortion, and recruitment for subversive actions. Russian security services allege that Ukraine uses Telegram for recruitment and sabotage. The government seeks greater control over user data for investigations into fraud and terrorism. Restrictions will be lifted once the platforms comply with local legislation. Telegram stated it actively prevents misuse of its platform, while WhatsApp expressed concerns over the implications of these restrictions on user privacy and security.
AppWizard
August 13, 2025
Russian authorities have announced partial restrictions on calls made through Telegram and WhatsApp, citing concerns about crime and misuse of these platforms. Roskomnadzor claims these messaging services are used for deception, extortion, and terrorist activities. The government has expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from the platform owners regarding countermeasures. Recent reports indicate users are experiencing difficulties with calls on these applications. WhatsApp had over 96 million monthly users and Telegram had more than 89 million in Russia as of July. In Crimea, cellphone internet shutdowns may last indefinitely, and a new law penalizes users for accessing illicit content. A new national messaging app, MAX, is being developed by VK, a Russian company. Access to calls via WhatsApp and Telegram could be restored if the platforms comply with Russian laws, but current restrictions only apply to audio calls.
AppWizard
July 25, 2025
A coalition of five digital rights and privacy organizations has filed a complaint against Google under the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), alleging that the company restricts user autonomy on Android devices by making it difficult to remove or disable pre-installed applications like Google Search, Chrome, and Maps. The complaint claims that Google, designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the DMA, fails to comply with legal obligations to allow users to uninstall default services easily. Users reportedly face hidden settings, complicated instructions, and misleading warnings when trying to disable Google apps, which the coalition argues are designed to keep users reliant on Google's services. The European Commission has received the complaint and will review it as part of its enforcement process for the DMA, which allows for fines up to 10% of a company's global annual revenue and mandates changes in business practices for compliance.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
A coalition of six civil society organizations has filed an antitrust complaint against Alphabet in Europe, alleging violations of the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The complaint claims that Alphabet has not complied with DMA requirements that mandate tech "gatekeepers" to allow users to easily uninstall pre-installed applications. The organizations involved include ARTICLE 19, European Digital Rights, Free Software Foundation Europe, Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte, Homo Digitalis, and Vrijschrift.org. They argue that Google's Android operating system makes it difficult for users to remove pre-installed apps and that Alphabet discourages users from disabling these applications. The complaint requests an investigation by the European Commission into Alphabet's potential breach of the DMA. Alphabet has dismissed the allegations, stating that uninstalling apps on Android is easy and that similar complaints have been rejected by other regulatory bodies. The European Commission is currently assessing the complaint.
AppWizard
July 24, 2025
Moscow is set to launch a new device in September that will come with a pre-installed messaging application called Max, aimed at enhancing government surveillance of citizens. This development follows indications that WhatsApp, used by about 70% of the Russian population, may be forced to cease operations in Russia due to new legislation. The Max app is expected to serve as a surveillance tool for the FSB, providing communication, government services, and mobile payment options, thereby increasing government oversight in digital interactions.
AppWizard
July 23, 2025
Russia's deputy head of President Putin’s administration, Maxim Oreshkin, stated that foreign messaging applications will not be banned as long as they comply with Russian laws, which include registration and measures to prevent fraud. He emphasized the development of a domestic messaging app called Max, created by VK, which aims to integrate with Russia's banking system. Oreshkin encouraged entrepreneurs to create user-friendly services for competitive advantage. His comments followed reports of Telegram seeking to align with Russian regulations by filing for registration with Roskomnadzor, although its founder, Pavel Durov, denied claims of exiting the Russian market.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
The Kremlin has increased restrictions on Russian citizens' access to foreign websites and information that contradicts state narratives since the Ukraine conflict began. New legislation has been passed to impose fines for searching for "extremist" content and for advertising VPN services, with penalties including fines of up to 5,000 rubles for individual users. A potential ban on WhatsApp is being considered in favor of a domestic alternative called Max, which is expected to serve as Russia's national messaging platform and may collect user data. Approximately 680 bots have been promoting Max while disparaging WhatsApp. Additionally, at least 40 Russian regions have recently experienced mobile internet outages, which coincide with increased Ukrainian drone attacks and are speculated to serve both security and internet sovereignty goals.
AppWizard
July 22, 2025
Russia has mandated that all government officials transition to the Max app by September 1 as part of a strategy to reduce reliance on foreign messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. The ban on WhatsApp is anticipated as officials prepare for the rollout of the state-developed Max app by VK Company, which has extensive access to users' personal data and operates under close government oversight. The legislation also prohibits apps from countries that have sanctioned Russia, indicating an effort to bolster national security in digital communications. Additionally, restrictions on software and services from "unfriendly countries" are being proposed, along with fines for accessing online content deemed extremist.
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