Russia is discussing a model under which, during mobile internet shutdowns, users would be able to access only pre-approved applications and services. Authorities say the measure is needed because of drone attack threats. According to the Nashvyazi project, there were at least 2,099 internet shutdowns across the country in July alone.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev spoke about possible “whitelists” on August 7 at the Digital Evolution forum. He said that after completing a captcha, users would still be able to reach core services “at the same speed” even while restrictions are in place. Sources in the telecom market told Kommersant that the technical plan is still under discussion and has not yet been coordinated with the FSB.
There is still no official list of approved services. At the same time, officials have already mentioned that it could include Gosuslugi, banking apps, marketplaces, delivery services, taxis, as well as ATMs and self-service terminals. State Duma committee deputy chair Andrei Svintsov said the state messenger Max would also be included. According to him, the list may also cover mobile operator apps, online stores and delivery platforms.
“This does not protect against drones in any way: they flew before and will keep flying, because the military never relies on only one communication method and always uses several,” said Mikhail Klimarev, executive director of the Internet Protection Society, in comments to Novaya Gazeta Europe.
Klimarev says the procedure for adding services to the register remains unclear: it is unknown whether the process will be open, what criteria will be used, and how the list will be approved. In his view, that creates major corruption risks. He also argues that the connection between restrictions on foreign messengers and the promotion of Max appears obvious.
Technically, the system may rely on DPI, or deep packet inspection. As the publication’s sources explain, operators could block data transmission across all protocols and ports except those specifically allowed. During restrictions, a user would likely have to open a special operator page, complete a captcha and only then use services from the whitelist. Svintsov said the resource list and the access technology could be prepared by the end of 2025.