"Mobile internet blockage in Russia to enable widespread access to certain services"
In a move to maintain essential communication and digital services during mobile internet shutdowns, the Ministry of Digital Development in Russia has announced a "white list" of services that will continue to function.
According to the "On Air" project, mobile internet disruptions have been frequent in Russia, with over 60 instances in May and 655 in June alone. A temporary restriction was recently introduced in the Sverdlovsk region on July 29.
During a block, users will be able to access the "white list" of services at the same speed through CAPTCHA. The exact services on the whitelist are not specified in publicly available sources, but relevant context suggests that state-approved domestic platforms like the MAX messenger, possibly government services, and other apps allowed by Roskomnadzor are included.
Foreign messaging and calling services like WhatsApp and Telegram have their audio/video call functions restricted. This aligns with the Kremlin’s sovereign internet strategy to maintain control over internet traffic and limit access to foreign or uncensored communication tools.
The "white list" also includes marketplaces, delivery services, taxis, ATMs, payment terminals, and other devices. Sales of Wi-Fi routers have increased in Russia due to mass mobile internet blockages this summer, with Wildberries reporting a 112% increase in sales compared to June-July 2024.
In a related development, pre-installation of the Max messenger will be mandatory on new devices from September 1. Additionally, a state AI assistant is set to appear in Russia following the national messenger.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes that mobile internet disruptions are justified as they help ensure security. However, experts from the Internet Defense Society estimate the losses of one hour of downtime for the whole of Russia at 46 billion rubles, including losses for Moscow at 9.6 billion rubles.
The ministry has coordinated with telecom operators to ensure separate functioning of machine-to-machine (M2M) network interactions. Ozon has mandated owners of pickup points operating in the "Maxim Brand" format to connect to wired internet.
The full "white list" will be revealed at a later time. Until then, users can expect a selective list of services that will continue to function during mobile internet shutdowns, primarily focusing on state-approved domestic platforms and essential services.
Finance-related services and technology platforms are expected to be included in the full "white list" of services that will continue to function during mobile internet shutdowns, given the inclusion of marketplaces, delivery services, and ATMs. As per the "On Air" project, sales of Wi-Fi routers have increased in Russia due to the mass mobile internet blockages this summer, suggesting a potential focus on domestic tech solutions.
