Russia has introduced a new digital solution, enabling the country's local apps to function even without internet access. The objective is to ensure citizens can access social media, ride-sharing, and payment services during situations like internet blackouts. The Russian government has released a list of apps, excluding American applications, to prioritize local ones.
Russia mobile apps: Russia has developed a technological solution that will allow the country's local apps to operate without internet connectivity. This initiative aims to provide citizens with uninterrupted access to social media, ride-sharing, and government services in the event of an internet blackout or network shutdown. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has published a list of these apps, prioritizing local ones, while American apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are not included. Starting September 1st, it will be mandatory to pre-install Max Messenger on smartphones sold in the country.
List of Local Apps Released
Russia has introduced a new technological solution that will allow the country's local apps to function without internet access. The aim is to provide citizens with access to social media, ride-sharing, and payment apps even in circumstances such as internet blackouts. The Russian government has also released a list of apps that will operate under this facility.
This list primarily includes social media apps, apps related to ride-sharing services like Ola-Uber, and government and payment apps. American apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have not been included in the list, making it clear that Russia is prioritizing local applications.
No Trouble During Internet Shutdown
According to Russia's Ministry of Digital Development, this technology has been developed to protect citizens from problems arising during internet outages. While it has not been officially linked to Ukrainian drone attacks, it has been reported by governors of border regions that internet services are often shut down during such attacks.
Through this technology, apps will remain active even offline, allowing people to use digital services during blackouts. The government has released the list to raise user awareness, ensuring that the benefits of these apps can be availed in a timely manner.
Promoting Local Apps
Since the Russia-Ukraine war, Russia has been promoting local apps and has banned several foreign applications. Despite popular apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, Russia has prioritized VK Messenger and Max Messenger.
Starting September 1st, all smartphones sold in the country will be required to have Max Messenger pre-installed. Its user base is rapidly growing, which will help increase digital autonomy and the utility of local apps within the country.
