Russian Belgorod, Rostov Switch to "Whitelist" Mobile Internet, Allow Only Kremlin-Approved Sites

Authorities in Russia’s Belgorod and Rostov regions have implemented a “whitelist” regime for mobile internet, under which users can access only government-approved websites, according to The Moscow Times on November 26.

The Moscow Times reported that in Belgorod, subscribers of mobile operators T2, Yota, and MTS experience 4G/LTE coverage but are unable to access many websites, including Google, while Telegram fails to update for many users.

By contrast, Yandex services and similar applications that have been placed on the official whitelist continue to function, indicating selective access based on government-approved domains.

A similar situation has emerged in Rostov-on-Don, where local outlet Bloknot was cited as saying there had been a “record drop” in mobile internet performance and that residents could primarily use the VKontakte  social network and the Max messenger , with only partial functionality of the Yandex browser and a complete block on Google.

The Moscow Times said the regional government in Rostov told the RBC media group that “measures aimed at ensuring the safety of residents” were behind the disruptions to mobile communications and data services.

The article recalled that Russia’s Digital Development Ministry in September published a list of online resources that must remain available during periods of internet restrictions, including the Gosuslugi state services portal, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki , Mail.ru, the national Max messenger, Yandex services, Rutube, official sites of the Mir payment system, federal authorities and major telecom operators.

Read more

Category

Anti-Fake

Digital Gulag: Russia Forces Its Spy App on Every New Phone

Aug 15, 2025 19:22

In November, the ministry expanded this whitelist to cover websites of the State Duma, federal ministries and agencies, regional governments, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Russian Post, Alfa Bank and the “Chestny Znak”  system, as well as several large media outlets.

It also added key services, including Russian Railways, travel platform Tutu.ru, the 2GIS navigation app, Maxim taxi, and the Gismeteo weather site, stating that these sites and applications would “remain available even during periods of restrictions.”

Earlier, it was reported that authorities in Russia’s Krasnoyarsk and Sverdlovsk regions imposed “temporary” mobile internet shutdowns for vaguely defined security reasons, leaving residents with prolonged outages that disrupted payments, transport apps, and other essential digital services.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters risk their lives to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support keeps them safe, equipped, and reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS