Unexplained outages across Russia’s capital raise concerns about new Kremlin controls over the web
Unexplained internet disruptions in Moscow have sparked growing concern that the Kremlin is testing new tools to tighten control over Russia’s online space.
Residents in central Moscow and other major cities say they have experienced widespread problems accessing mobile internet services over the past week. Many reported being unable to open websites or messaging apps, while others said their phones lost service entirely.
The outages have forced some people to rely on older communication methods, including walkie-talkies and pagers, as the disruptions affect everyday activities such as ordering taxis, contacting family members and sending work messages.
The government has acknowledged the outages but offered few details about their purpose or duration.
Kremlin cites “security” reasons
Officials in Moscow said the disruptions were introduced to improve security.
The Kremlin said the restrictions would remain in place “as long as additional measures are necessary,” without providing further explanation.
Internet shutdowns have become more common across Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, though previous disruptions have usually affected border regions or areas near military activity rather than the country’s capital.
Now, however, the outages appear to be affecting large parts of Moscow’s city centre and other major urban areas.
Users in St Petersburg have also reported problems accessing mobile networks and internet services.
Possible “whitelist” internet system
Human rights groups and technology experts believe the shutdowns may be linked to testing a new “whitelist” system that would restrict internet access to a limited number of approved websites.
Under such a system, only government-authorised services would remain available. Officials have previously said the approved list would include essential services such as online marketplaces, delivery platforms and digital pharmacies.
Critics warn the system would significantly limit Russians’ access to independent news sites and foreign platforms.
Internet restrictions in Russia have intensified in recent years. Authorities have already blocked several major international platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube.
There is also speculation that Telegram, one of the country’s most widely used messaging apps, could face new restrictions.
Economic disruption across the capital
The outages are also affecting businesses across Moscow.
Courier services, taxi platforms and retailers that depend on mobile internet have been particularly hard hit. Russia’s business newspaper Kommersant estimated that companies in Moscow could lose around one billion roubles — about £9.4 million — each day the shutdown continues.
Even lawmakers have been affected. Deputies in Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, complained that mobile networks and Wi-Fi connections inside the building were no longer functioning.
Without internet access, many lawmakers said they were effectively cut off from the outside world.
Russians turn to older communication tools
Faced with the disruptions, many residents have begun using older communication devices.
Data from the e-commerce platform Wildberries shows a sharp rise in sales of walkie-talkies and pagers.
According to Russian media reports, walkie-talkie sales increased by about 27%, while demand for pagers rose by 73%. Sales of paper maps of Moscow have also surged as people struggle to use navigation apps.
Push toward state-backed “super-app”
At the same time as the outages, Russian authorities are encouraging citizens to adopt a new state-supported mobile platform called Max.
The app has been compared to China’s WeChat and is expected to combine messaging, payments and government services in one platform.
Critics say the app could allow security agencies to monitor communications more closely.
Meanwhile, a Russian lawmaker recently said authorities may soon gain the ability to restrict virtual private network (VPN) traffic — one of the few tools still used by Russians to bypass blocked websites.
If implemented, such measures could further isolate Russia’s internet from the wider global web.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026