The Russian government’s push for a “super app” raises concerns about surveillance and censorship.
In the digital age, the convenience and ease of accessing various services through a single app have become increasingly popular. China has already embraced this concept with its super app, WeChat. Now, Russia seems poised to follow suit. However, experts and activists warn that Russia’s super app may come at a cost, giving the government greater surveillance and control over its citizens’ online activities. This article explores the development of Russia’s sovereign Internet, the dismantling of Yandex, and the emergence of VK as a state-controlled social network. It also delves into the integration of government services into the super app and the potential implications for Russian citizens.
Russian Authorities’ Tightening Grip on the Internet:
Since the late 1990s, Russian authorities have been implementing measures to gain greater control over the Internet. The System for Operative Search Activities (SORM) allowed the Federal Security Service to monitor online activities. Over the years, the system expanded, making it easier for the state to thwart privacy and encryption measures. Additionally, legislation required major Internet companies to house their servers on Russian territory, enabling authorities to control and monitor online traffic.
The Rise of a Sovereign Internet:
In 2019, Russia passed laws aimed at ensuring the “safe and sustainable functioning” of the Internet. These laws broadened the powers of the country’s technical regulator, Roskomnadzor, to blacklist and block websites. They also allowed for the throttling of data flow to and from websites, making them inaccessible. The Russian government’s actions to restrict online platforms escalated in 2022 when Facebook and related platforms were classified as extremist and effectively banned. These efforts reflect the country’s desire to create a sovereign Internet under state control.
Yandex’s Transformation and VK’s Ascendancy:
Yandex, once a prominent Internet company in Russia, faced increasing pressure from the government. It underwent a major restructuring in 2019, increasing government oversight and preventing foreign control. After the invasion of Ukraine, Yandex began censoring news about the war, drawing information from authorized Russian sources. The company subsequently sold off its news and entertainment portals to VK, a state-controlled social network. VK’s growth has surged since the ban on Facebook and Instagram, positioning it as a domestic, controllable alternative.
The Integration of Government Services and Super App Potential:
Gosuslugi, an e-government service portal used by millions of Russians, has simplified bureaucratic processes. The integration of Gosuslugi services into VK raises concerns about potential manipulation and surveillance. By verifying their identity on VK through their Gosuslugi profile, users unwittingly grant access to personal data. This integration could pave the way for influencing voting results and exerting greater control over citizens’ online activities.
The Super App’s Implications:
While the concept of a super app may be economically viable for social media companies like VK, the integration of government services raises concerns. The combination of convenience and surveillance within a single app grants the government significant control over users. By pushing citizens to use the super app for daily tasks, the government can monitor online activities more easily. However, this approach may face challenges due to the import reliance of SORM devices and the growing use of VPNs and encryption tools by Russian citizens.
Conclusion:
Russia’s pursuit of a super app raises important questions about the balance between convenience and control. The government’s efforts to create a sovereign Internet and integrate government services into VK have implications for privacy, surveillance, and censorship. While the convenience of a super app may be enticing, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences. The consolidation of online activities within a single app could grant the government unprecedented access to personal data and the ability to manipulate information. As the Russian super app project progresses, it is essential to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks it poses to individual freedoms and privacy.
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