Russia Prioritizes Local Apps Amid Internet Blackouts

• Russia releases a list of domestic apps that will remain functional during mobile internet shutdowns, excluding major foreign platforms.

Government Strategy Targets Domestic Digital Infrastructure

Russia has announced a curated list of locally developed applications that will continue operating during mobile internet blackouts. These shutdowns, often implemented in border regions, are reportedly aimed at disrupting drone navigation systems. The list includes government portals, online marketplaces, the Mir payment system, and the state-supported messaging app MAX. Foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube were notably excluded from the selection.

The Digital Development Ministry stated that a “special technical solution” enables uninterrupted access to these domestic services. Officials emphasized that the measure is designed to minimize disruption for citizens during security-related outages. No direct reference was made to Ukraine or drone activity in the official communication. However, regional governors have previously linked internet blackouts to efforts to counter drone-based attacks.

Foreign Platforms Face Growing Restrictions

Russia’s move reflects a broader push to strengthen control over its digital ecosystem and reduce reliance on foreign technology. Since the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has intensified restrictions on international tech platforms. Complaints from users about degraded WhatsApp performance and sporadic mobile outages have increased over the summer. These issues have fueled demand for stable, locally supported alternatives.

The ministry compiled its list based on popularity and perceived social significance among Russian users. Despite WhatsApp’s reach of 97.6 million users in July, it was excluded from the approved roster. Telegram, which had 90.9 million users and was founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, also failed to make the cut. VK Messenger, developed by the state-controlled VK Group, ranked third with 16.7 million users.

MAX Messenger Gains Ground as Pre-Installed Default

Among the listed apps, MAX Messenger stands out as a key component of Russia’s digital strategy. Developed by VK and pre-installed on all mobile devices sold in the country, MAX has reached 30 million users. Its inclusion in the government’s whitelist signals a shift toward promoting state-backed communication tools. This approach aligns with efforts to ensure continuity of essential services during connectivity disruptions.

The list’s release underscores Russia’s intent to build resilience into its digital infrastructure. By prioritizing domestic apps, the government aims to maintain operational stability while asserting greater control over online activity. The absence of widely used foreign platforms suggests a deliberate move to reshape user behavior. As geopolitical tensions persist, the role of national tech ecosystems is likely to expand further.