Digital Ministry of Russia and mobile operators reach agreement on access to "whitelist of services" during mobile internet disruptions
In a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to critical online services, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia, along with telecommunications operators, has developed a technical scheme. This scheme is designed to provide access to essential online services during periods of mobile internet restrictions.
The scheme, announced by Maksut Shadaev at the "Digital Evolution" forum, will allow users to access a 'white list' of main services at the same speed through a captcha during periods of mobile internet blocking. The 'white list' includes resources necessary for life, such as marketplaces, delivery services, taxis, and others.
Recent context suggests that this scheme is part of a broader strategy to control online information flows during mobile internet shutdowns, which have been implemented under the justification of national security, especially amid operations involving Ukrainian drones. These shutdowns restrict general internet usage but maintain some connectivity for critical services through telecom operators who coordinate with the Ministry of Digital Development.
In Tomsk, a recent Telegram channel poll found that 62% of 183 respondents noted that mobile internet connection is working with severe disruptions, while only 18% have a stable connection. Despite these disruptions, a significant number of Tomsk residents have started switching to using and connecting wired internet.
Special attention is given to the work of critically important infrastructure in this scheme. Maksut Shadaev, the head of the department, has emphasized that M2M networks (Internet of Things) will be separately specified and highlighted in the technical scheme to ensure that ATMs, self-service devices, etc., do not fail.
However, the explicit technical details of the scheme—such as which services are considered essential, the exact technology used to maintain access during shutdowns, or the contractual setup between the ministry and operators—are not specifically disclosed in the sources.
This coordinated government and telecom operator initiative is designed to maintain limited essential online service access amid widespread mobile internet restrictions, typically motivated by security and censorship goals. The scheme has been in effect since the summer of 2025, with mobile internet regularly shut down or significantly slowed down in several regions of Russia, including the Tomsk region.
The technical scheme, announced by Maksut Shadaev, includes a 'white list' of essential services like marketplaces, delivery services, taxis, and others, which can be accessed at the same speed through a captcha during periods of mobile internet blocking. This scheme, a part of a broader strategy, is also intended to specify and highlight M2M networks to ensure critical infrastructure such as ATMs and self-service devices do not fail.
