Opposition figure Boris Nadezhdin makes a regular journey across various Russian regions each month, always equipped with two phones. One serves as his official device, housing the newly introduced Max app, a tool Russia is pushing as a pivotal communication platform. His second phone carries personal communication apps and a virtual private network (VPN) essential for bypassing Russia’s expanding internet constraints.
“Many of my friends have taken the same stance,” Nadezhdin remarked during an interview with CBC News from Dolgoprudny, located near Moscow. “Unfortunately, we are facing significant challenges with internet and mobile communications.”
The Kremlin’s recent rollout of Max, owned by Russian media firm VK, represents its latest move to bolster control over the country’s digital realm by curbing foreign platforms through blockages or slowdowns, rendering them practically inaccessible.
New All-in-One App
Initially launched as a beta version in spring, the Max app now comes pre-installed on all new phones sold in Russia, receiving substantial promotion. Celebrities, athletes, and social influencers have been recruited to endorse the platform, enabling users to chat with friends or access government services.
It has drawn comparisons to China’s WeChat, the leading social networking app in China, accused of state-backed censorship as well.
In 2019, Russia implemented a series of amendments known as the sovereign internet law, granting the government authority to shut down the internet in the country and establish an isolated forum that, in theory, disconnects Russia from the global web.
Subsequently, Moscow has developed its version of the internet, dubbed RUnet by some. The authorities have tightened cyber restrictions, limited access to popular platforms like YouTube, and hampered VPN usage that enables users to evade digital barriers imposed by the government.
In numerous regions, residents often face internet unavailability on their phones due to network disruptions. These measures are justified by the government citing national security concerns, frequently attributing them to the increase in Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military and industrial facilities.
“Undoubtedly, it’s a challenge,” Nadezhdin acknowledged. “However, blocking internet access for everyone is an inappropriate solution to this issue.”
Crackdown on ‘Extremist’ Content
Nadez