Russia has been experiencing widespread mobile internet outages, causing daily disruptions — from payment failures on public transport to parents being unable to remotely monitor diabetic children.
Authorities claim the shutdowns help prevent Ukrainian drones from navigating, but experts say the measure hasn’t reduced attacks.
During these blackouts, only a limited set of government-approved “white-listed” websites and services remain accessible, raising public concern about growing state control and loss of digital freedom.
New restrictions also block SIM cards that were recently abroad or inactive, creating problems for devices like utility meters and cars that rely on mobile networks.
Popular messaging apps WhatsApp and Telegram face throttling or partial blocking, while the state promotes its own app, MAX, which critics warn lacks privacy protections and can share user data with authorities.
Although many Russians use VPNs to bypass restrictions, they are routinely blocked. Analysts say the government aims to gradually push people toward state-approved platforms, suggesting that even tighter internet controls may be coming.