In 2025, the Russian authorities moved from isolated communication disruptions to a more systematic model of digital control. That model combined mass internet shutdowns, broader restrictions, and the promotion of the national messenger Max, which by the end of the year had become mandatory for some forms of communication.
In January, on January 6 and January 14, two major outages hit operators, affecting browsers, messengers, search services, and banking apps. Experts linked the incidents to tests for future restrictions under the “sovereign internet” law. Throughout the year, website and media blocking continued, along with tighter pressure on circumvention tools: according to these figures, the authorities blocked 258 VPN services during the year.
Regular shutdowns began in May, first in Moscow and St. Petersburg around May 9. Internet cutoffs were later justified as a response to the threat of drone attacks. By July, according to Novaya-Europe’s calculations, every Russian region had faced such restrictions. The outlet noted that the shutdowns deprived people not only of communication, but also of the ability to seek help during attacks.
At the same time, the State Duma approved the creation of a national messenger. That role was later assigned to VK’s Max platform, which was compared to China’s WeChat. Sarkis Darbinyan, co-founder of Roskomsvoboda, and other experts warned of risks of total surveillance, data retention, and transfers to the security services.
In August, amid record mobile internet outages, the authorities proposed a system of “white lists” of services that would remain accessible during shutdowns. Officials presented this as a security measure, but in practice users were to be limited to approved apps. At the same time, calls through WhatsApp and Telegram were restricted, and in the fall operators began blocking SMS messages and calls carrying codes for new account registration.
From September 1, Max was preinstalled on all smartphones and tablets sold in Russia. In the same month, reports emerged that banks would be required to connect to FSB systems and store client correspondence in banking messengers, a step experts said brings Russia closer to a model of total digital surveillance.
In November, the authorities proposed requiring telecom operators to terminate services to subscribers at the request of the FSB. Darbinyan said this would legalize the shutdown practice and shield operators from lawsuits by disconnected customers. That same month, authorities in some cities of the Ulyanovsk region officially announced a full mobile internet shutdown until the end of the war with Ukraine. By late November, the number of regions using “white lists” had risen to 57.
On December 16, the State Duma passed a law requiring management companies to move residential building chats to Max. This was the first time use of the platform was made mandatory by law. The new rules apply across Russia except in Moscow, while pressure to switch to Max continued through schools, universities, state institutions, and integration with Gosuslugi.