Are Russians Being Pushed to Switch to a ‘National Messenger’?

Prague, August 13, Free Eurasia – Since August 10, Russian users have been reporting widespread disruptions in voice calls on WhatsApp and Telegram: conversations cut out, voices become inaudible, and phrases are interrupted. Food delivery services have also faced communication issues, and in some regions, ambulance services were affected. In Tyumen Region, for example, local authorities had to change ambulance dispatch protocols due to mobile internet restrictions.

Telegram and WhatsApp both stated that their systems were operating normally.

According to the newspaper Kommersant, starting from August 1 the authorities began selectively testing the blocking of voice calls in messengers. Officials at Roskomnadzor had discussed such measures back in 2024, citing the fight against telephone fraud – much of which, according to operators, originates abroad.

Telecom providers have also supported restrictions, noting that internet calls are encrypted, hard to monitor, and generate far less revenue than traditional voice services. In spring 2025, Russia’s largest mobile operators proposed that the Ministry of Digital Development ban calls via foreign messengers, also citing their non-compliance with Russia’s data localisation law.

Later, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law authorising the development of a state-backed messenger integrated with government services, as part of Moscow’s push to reduce dependence on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. This led to the launch of Max, an app developed by VK, whose ultimate owner is Gazprom.

Launched in spring 2025 and built on VK’s earlier “TamTam” messenger, Max was designated the official “national messenger” in July. From September 1, it will be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in Russia, and registration will only be possible with Russian or Belarusian SIM cards.

Government agencies are already switching to Max, which is planned to integrate with the “Gosuslugi” e-government portal and other public services. The messenger will be placed on a “white list” of apps allowed to function even during internet slowdowns or shutdowns.

However, digital rights experts warn that Max collects user data and explicitly allows its transfer to government bodies. Its message protection is considered weaker than in Telegram or WhatsApp.

Part of the ‘Sovereign Internet’ Strategy

Since 2019, Russia has pursued a “sovereign internet” policy, granting the state centralised control over filtering and blocking online traffic. Authorities have been steadily replacing foreign platforms with domestic alternatives – VK for Facebook, RuTube for YouTube, and now Max for WhatsApp and Telegram.

Blocking or throttling foreign messengers is seen not only as a security measure but also as a way to keep communication within fully controlled services.

Comparisons to the ‘Chinese Model’

In China, WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Twitter, and Google are banned and replaced by national services such as WeChat, Baidu, and Weibo – all fully integrated into the state surveillance system.

WeChat is used not only for messaging but also for payments, access to public services, medical records, tickets, and bank accounts – giving authorities complete control over citizens’ digital lives.

By design and functionality, Russia’s Max appears to be moving in a similar direction: integration with state services, priority access during internet shutdowns, and mandatory installation on devices.

What the Russian authorities gain:

• Communication monitoring – the national messenger is technically and legally obliged to provide data to the FSB and the Interior Ministry.
• Content censorship and filtering – messages are easier to delete or block in a controlled environment.
• Political leverage – during elections or protests, authorities can slow down or cut off communication channels, as has already happened in Russia and China.

Alternatives Still Available

Telecom experts advise Russians not to rush into switching to state-controlled messengers. As the BBC’s Russian Service notes, video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams remain unrestricted. Human rights advocates recommend more secure, decentralised messengers such as Session, SimpleX Chat, and Element, which do not require a phone number or email to register. Apps like Briar and Bridgefy can function without the internet, using Bluetooth or mesh networks.

Nevertheless, analysts believe that most users will stick with the apps they know, and if restrictions persist, they are likely to move to officially approved platforms.

Free Eurasia