Putin Steps Up Internet Control Measures with New State-Approved Messaging Platform

Russian President Vladimir Putin is intensifying efforts to regulate internet access within the country by restricting the use of Western applications and enhancing the development of a state-approved messaging platform scheduled for launch next month. According to The New York Times, this new service, named MAX, will be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in Russia starting in September, prompting speculation that Putin may seek to block access to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. The government’s aim appears to be creating a controlled online environment that is easily monitored and censored, consolidating internet control. Anastasiia Kruope from Human Rights Watch commented that while Russia’s technical capabilities to operate internet infrastructure independently are improving, they are not yet fully developed but are advancing rapidly. Historically, Russians have enjoyed relatively free access to Western social media platforms and content sharing services. However, the rise of opposition figure Aleksei Navalny, who utilized blogs and YouTube to rally support before his death in a Russian prison in February 2024, posed a challenge to Kremlin control. Subsequently, Russi...