"Mobile internet blockade in Russia will allow access to various services"
Russia Introduces "White List" for Essential Services During Mobile Internet Shutdowns
In a bid to maintain essential online services and support daily life during state-ordered mobile internet restrictions, Russia has developed a "white list" of widely used services that will continue to function during such shutdowns. This system, agreed upon by the Ministry of Digital Development and telecom operators, aims to ensure that crucial digital services like marketplaces, delivery platforms, and taxi apps remain accessible[1].
The main purposes of this white list include maintaining access to vital online services that support daily life and economic activity, as well as ensuring automated machine-to-machine communications (e.g., ATMs and self-service kiosks) remain operational during shutdowns[1].
Services on the White List
The white list includes marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and machine-to-machine networks to ensure continuous access during shutdowns. During a block, users will be able to access these services at the same speed through CAPTCHA[2]. The full "white list" will be announced later.
Shutdown Increase and Targeted Restrictions
Shutdowns have escalated dramatically, motivated by security and control concerns. Selective throttling targets voice/video calls in apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, while text and media sharing features remain partially functional[2][3]. Other messaging apps with similar VoIP technologies sometimes remain unaffected, highlighting targeted restrictions rather than total service blackouts[2].
Impact and Cost of Shutdowns
Experts from the Internet Defense Society estimated the losses of one hour of downtime for the whole of Russia at 46 billion rubles, including losses for Moscow at 9.6 billion rubles[4]. The temporary mobile internet restriction imposed on July 29 in the Sverdlovsk region is a testament to the growing trend of such disruptions[5]. According to the "On Air" project, mobile internet was shut down 655 times in Russia in June 2025, and over 60 times in May[6].
Pre-installation of Max Messenger and Other Measures
In addition to the white list, pre-installation of the Max messenger will be mandatory on new devices from September 1[7]. The Ministry of Digital Development has also prioritized maintaining the operation of the "Gosuslugi" platform, banking applications, and emergency notification channels[8].
Increased Sales of Wi-Fi Routers
Sales of Wi-Fi routers have increased in Russia due to mass mobile internet blocks this summer, with a 112% increase in sales on Wildberries in the first two summer months compared to June-July 2024[9].
In conclusion, this approach reflects Russia’s ongoing strategy of tightening internet control while trying to limit disruption to essential online economic and infrastructural functions.
References: 1. The Moscow Times 2. Kommersant 3. Vedomosti 4. Internet Defense Society 5. The Moscow Times 6. The Moscow Times 7. Kommersant 8. Kommersant 9. Kommersant
The "white list" in Russia contains essential services such as marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and machine-to-machine networks to ensure uninterrupted access even during shutdowns. During mobile internet restrictions, users will still be able to access these services via CAPTCHA.
The Russian government has implemented targeted restrictions, selectively throttling voice/video calls on apps like WhatsApp and Telegram while allowing text and media sharing features to function partially. These targeted restrictions indicate a strategy that aims for control without completely disrupting select services.
