Boris Nadezhdin, an opposition figure in Russia, always carries two phones when traveling across various regions. One phone hosts the Max app, a new communication tool promoted by Russia, while the other contains personal communication apps and a VPN to bypass internet restrictions. Many Russians, including Nadezhdin, face challenges with internet and mobile communication services.
The introduction of Max, a messaging platform by Russian media company VK, is part of the Kremlin’s strategy to exert greater control over digital space by limiting access to foreign platforms. The app, likened to China’s WeChat, is now pre-installed on new phones in Russia and endorsed by celebrities to facilitate social interactions and access to government services.
To bolster control over digital content, Russia enacted the sovereign internet law in 2019, enabling the government to regulate internet access and establish a more isolated online environment. This move, forming RUnet, involved restricting popular platforms like YouTube and impeding VPN usage. Internet disruptions in various regions are justified on national security grounds, citing threats like Ukrainian drone attacks.
Nadezhdin, barred from running for president, has criticized Russia’s legislation targeting online content deemed “extremist.” The law penalizes users for accessing such materials, with harsher penalties for VPN users. While VPN use is not outlawed, over 250 VPN versions are now blocked in Russia, complicating circumvention efforts.
Recent reports indicate issues with messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, with users experiencing audio distortion and connectivity problems. Russians like Mikhail and Sergey rely on these platforms to communicate, often resorting to VPNs for better connectivity. Concerns about privacy and government surveillance deter some users from adopting the Max app, which collects user data and lacks robust encryption.
The potential for increased surveillance and internet restrictions in Russia has raised alarms among digital rights advocates. Anastasiia Kruope from Human Rights Watch believes that under the guise of national security, Russia is testing the extent to which it can control internet access. Internet blackouts, often occurring during protests or critical events, serve as testing grounds for increased censorship and government control over online content.