Marina, a 45-year-old freelance copywriter, has relied on WhatsApp for her work and personal life for years. But one day last month, that abruptly changed when a call to a colleague did not go through properly. Attempts to connect via Telegram, another messaging app popular in Russia, were similarly unsuccessful.
This disruption is part of a larger trend following new restrictions imposed by Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, which block calls made through these two platforms, used by an estimated 97 million and 90 million Russians, respectively. The crackdown directly coincides with the rollout of Max, a 'national messenger' app developed by a Russian firm closely controlled by the Kremlin.
In a country where much of daily life revolves around such apps for communication, coordination, and even basic services, these changes are significant. WhatsApp, whose owner Meta is labeled an extremist organization in Russia, is particularly favored by older users due to its ease of use.
With the launch of Max, the Kremlin is attempting to offer a state-approved alternative. This app, which aggregates multiple functions including banking and government services, is aggressively marketed by public figures and is mandated to be pre-installed on all devices sold in Russia since September 1.
Max's data-sharing policies raise serious concerns as they allow for the potential transfer of user information to government bodies, increasing fears of state surveillance. Critics argue that the government’s justification for restricting access to foreign apps and introducing Max is rooted in stifling dissent and monitoring citizens.
As part of broader control measures, Russians are also facing frequent mobile internet blackouts, especially in remote areas, impacting connectivity further. Authorities maintain that such blackouts are necessary to protect infrastructure from potential attacks, but experts express skepticism about their effectiveness. Local governments are now being forced to manage connectivity while being ill-equipped for such challenges.
With heightened censorship, many Russians are adapting to a ‘digital detox,’ relying on alternative means of communication when faced with restrictions. The introduction of Max, alongside the jubilation over reduced internet access portrayed by state media, reflects a deeper struggle between personal freedom and government oversight in the digital realm.
