Russia Faces Growing Frustration Over Mobile Internet Blackouts
- Government restrictions disrupt daily life and raise surveillance concerns
In 2025, Russians have endured widespread cellphone internet outages that many see as part of the government’s tightening grip on digital life. Everyday activities such as paying for public transport, withdrawing cash from ATMs, or using messaging apps have been disrupted. Families with diabetic children report being unable to monitor glucose levels remotely during shutdowns. Authorities claim the restrictions are meant to prevent Ukrainian drones from exploiting mobile networks, but critics argue the measures have failed to reduce attacks.
Blackouts and Limited Access
Mobile internet shutdowns began in May and continued through summer and autumn, affecting dozens of regions. By November, an activist group reported daily disruptions in 57 areas. During outages, only government-approved websites and services on “white lists” remain accessible, including Yandex, email platforms, and limited online markets. Some providers allow access to banking apps, while others do not, leaving residents anxious about the future of connectivity.
Citizens describe the blackouts as deeply unsettling. Marina, from Vladivostok, said she worried when only one government-controlled banking app worked during an outage. In Ulyanovsk, a commuter found his credit card useless on a tram payment terminal, forcing him to rely on cash. Parents of diabetic children expressed alarm that outages prevented them from receiving critical health alerts.
SIM Card Restrictions and Messaging Apps
Authorities introduced new rules requiring 24-hour “cooling periods” for SIM cards that had been abroad or inactive for 72 hours. These restrictions block data and texts, creating problems for devices like Wi-Fi routers, cars, and electricity meters that rely on SIM cards. Lawmakers warned that such measures could disrupt essential infrastructure. Concerns extend to messaging apps, with WhatsApp and Telegram throttled or blocked in some regions.
Neither app is included on the government’s “white list.” Instead, officials promote MAX, a Russian messaging service now required on all smartphones. Critics say MAX lacks end-to-end encryption and openly shares user data with authorities. Despite claims of 50 million registered users, daily activity remains far below that of WhatsApp and Telegram, reflecting limited public enthusiasm.
Public Response and Outlook
Pollsters report that many Russians view the restrictions as unavoidable, similar to bad weather. Authorities appear to be steering users toward simpler, state-approved channels by making alternatives harder to access. Some residents rely on VPNs to bypass blocks, but these tools are also frequently targeted, forcing constant updates. Activists warn that the internet is too deeply tied to economic activity to be shut down entirely, yet expect further restrictions on websites, VPNs, and messaging platforms.
Russia’s “white list” approach mirrors tactics used in other countries to control digital access, but its scale is unusual. By November 2025, more than 50 regions reported daily mobile internet disruptions, making it one of the largest coordinated shutdowns in recent history.
