Boris Nadezhdin, an opposition politician, routinely embarks on cross-regional journeys in Russia equipped with two phones. One phone, his official device, features the newly introduced Max app, which Russia is advocating as an essential communication tool. Meanwhile, his second phone holds personal communication apps and a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass Russia’s expanding internet constraints.
Nadezhdin, speaking from Dolgoprudny near Moscow, highlighted the prevalent internet and mobile communication challenges faced by himself and many others. The Kremlin’s recent rollout of Max, owned by VK media company, aims to strengthen control over Russia’s digital landscape by curbing foreign platforms through blocking or deliberate slowdowns, positioning it as a multi-functional “super app.”
The introduction of Max, likened to China’s WeChat, coincided with Russia’s enactment of the sovereign internet law in 2019, granting authorities the power to regulate the internet within the country comprehensively. This move led to the creation of a Russian internet version, RUnet, with intensified cyber restrictions, limited access to popular platforms like YouTube, and increased obstacles for VPN usage.
The restrictions have caused disruptions in internet access for residents in various regions, with justifications often citing national security concerns linked to Ukrainian drone attacks. Nadezhdin criticized the blanket internet blockages as ineffective solutions to the underlying issues.
Additionally, the Kremlin has implemented laws penalizing internet users for searching “extremist” content online. The legislation, targeting over 5,000 labeled materials, including those deemed pro-Ukrainian or anti-Russian, imposes harsher penalties if accessed through VPNs. The government has progressively restricted VPN usage by blocking over 250 versions.
In recent times, users of messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have reported severe call quality issues, prompting reliance on VPNs for improved connectivity. Concerns over potential surveillance through Max, which mandates data storage and sharing with law enforcement, have sparked caution among users.
As Russia grapples with internet blackouts and service disruptions, critics argue that national security claims are a pretext for testing the extent of internet control and censorship. Human Rights Watch researcher Anastasiia Kruope highlighted the regime’s experimental approach to internet restrictions, emphasizing the need for vigilance against expanding state censorship and control.