Two Phones and an App: How Ordinary Russians Are Beating Putin’s Digital Iron Curtain
Russians are proving remarkably resourceful in navigating the tightening grip of internet restrictions imposed by President Vladimir Putin’s government. As the Kremlin advances its vision of “digital sovereignty” amid the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, authorities have ramped up blocks on foreign platforms, throttled connections, and pushed state-controlled alternatives. Yet millions of citizens continue to access blocked services using a mix of VPNs, multiple devices, and everyday ingenuity.
The Growing Web of Restrictions
Russia’s digital controls have intensified significantly. Mobile internet blackouts—often ordered by the FSB and justified as measures against Ukrainian drone operations—have disrupted daily life in various regions, affecting banking, transportation, and online shopping. In March 2026, Moscow endured nearly three weeks of outages that frustrated even government insiders.
Among the key restrictions:
- Blocking or severely limiting popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, including voice and video calls in some areas.
- Cracking down on hundreds of VPN providers.
- Forcing services such as Russian Railways to block users detected using VPNs.
- Promoting the state-developed messenger MAX (from VK) as a secure “national” alternative, which has reportedly reached over 85 million daily users.
These measures are supported by the country’s “Sovereign Internet” infrastructure, including advanced deep packet inspection tools that give authorities fine-grained control over online traffic.
Everyday Workarounds: Creativity Under Pressure
Faced with these barriers, ordinary Russians have developed practical habits to stay connected:
- VPN Switching: Many users activate a VPN to access restricted foreign apps like WhatsApp and then disable it when using domestic services that actively detect and block VPN traffic. VPN downloads surged in March, with the top five apps on Google Play seeing 9.2 million installs—14 times higher than the previous year.
- The Two-Phone Strategy: A common solution is carrying a second device dedicated solely to the state-backed MAX app to minimize surveillance risks. Some go further by physically removing microphones or cameras from these phones. One interior designer described her daily routine as constantly toggling between phones, VPNs, and different “virtual countries.”
- Tech-Savvy Solutions: More experienced users set up their own custom VPN servers, employ obfuscated protocols that disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, or turn to tools like Tor with special bridges. Younger family members often help older relatives configure these setups.
- Low-Tech Alternatives: During mobile shutdowns, people crowd into cafes offering free Wi-Fi or fall back on paper maps, whose sales doubled in Moscow. Delivery drivers scramble to download routes during brief windows of connectivity.
Surveys show VPN usage among Russians has climbed from 23% in 2022 to around 36% today, though many still rely on approved services for convenience.
Government Push and Public Frustration
The Kremlin justifies these controls as essential for national security in what it calls an “existential clash” with the West. However, widespread disruptions have caused irritation even among pro-government circles, especially with parliamentary elections approaching. Putin himself has reportedly called for a more measured approach to avoid crippling essential services, leading to the postponement of some stricter measures like extra charges on “foreign” traffic.
Despite Roskomnadzor’s ongoing efforts to restrict VPNs, new tools keep emerging to meet persistent demand. Reports suggest that even some officials privately use VPNs themselves.
The Human and Broader Cost
Putin’s digital iron curtain has added to public fatigue alongside economic pressures, contributing to declining approval ratings in some polls. While many Russians have adapted or accepted domestic alternatives, a large segment—particularly younger and urban populations—continues investing time and effort to maintain access to the global internet.
As one Russian put it: “Nothing is more permanent than the temporary.” The restrictions may tighten further, but the ingenuity of those determined to bypass them shows little sign of fading.
In an increasingly connected world, Russia’s experience demonstrates the difficulty of completely isolating a population online, even under strong authoritarian controls. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of tools and technologies that help preserve open access to information.
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