Small businesses across Russia are increasingly feeling the impact of tighter internet restrictions, including limits on the messaging app Telegram, stricter controls on virtual private networks, and repeated mobile internet outages.
The disruptions, particularly in Moscow, have been linked to what authorities describe as security measures. However, business owners say the interruptions are causing real financial losses and undermining customer trust.
A Moscow restaurant, Skrepka, said a recent outage left it unable to process online orders, sparking frustration among customers.
“On the eve of Easter, we decided to sell kuliches, traditional Russian Easter cakes via Telegram,” said managing director Daria Teterina. “The idea was brilliant, but the execution was flawed. When we had a lot of orders, our Telegram chatbot crashed and remained non‑functional for an hour. Clients needed QR codes to collect their orders, but they failed to load. Telegram was down, and customers started shouting.”
Other sectors are facing similar challenges. Anton Belykh, chief executive of property brokerage DNA Realty, said communication problems linked to Telegram restrictions had resulted in missed opportunities.
“When Telegram got blocked, things became more complicated, as not everyone has tools to bypass the restrictions,” he said. “Some messages do not get through, others arrive only partially, and large files often fail to load. Our presentations are quite heavy, so we have to switch to email or ask clients to find Wi‑Fi.”
Entrepreneurs who rely heavily on messaging apps for sales have been particularly affected. Moscow‑based dogwear business Wag’n Tails, which depends on Telegram for customer orders, has also reported disruption.
Despite mounting criticism from business owners, the Kremlin has indicated it does not plan to compensate companies for losses caused by internet outages.
President Vladimir Putin has defended the restrictions as necessary for national security. However, public surveys suggest many Russians believe the measures are making everyday life more difficult.
At the same time, authorities are promoting a state-backed messaging platform known as MAX as an alternative to Telegram. Uptake, however, has been limited, with most businesses and customers continuing to rely on Telegram despite its instability.
The issue extends beyond individual firms. Russia has around 2.9 million small and medium-sized enterprises and more than 14 million self-employed workers, many of whom depend on stable internet services for their livelihoods.
With outages and restrictions continuing, business owners warn that the economic impact could deepen unless reliable digital access is restored.
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed aga...
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump...
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of confli...
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central...
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
Israel expects to secure new contracts for its air and missile defence systems from European countries within weeks, as governments across the continent continue to strengthen their militaries amid security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
Four people were killed while the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra monastery, a symbol of Ukrainian spiritual and cultural history, caught fire, in the heaviest Russian air attack on the Ukrainian capital in two weeks, authorities said on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday, 14 June about efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, as world leaders prepare to gather for the G7 summit in France.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of conflict, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a major diplomatic success and a victory for peace.
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being recruited by a mystery figure known only as "EL Money".
British lawmakers look set to revisit assisted dying in the new parliamentary session after Labour MP Lauren Edwards said she would reintroduce legislation that failed to complete its passage through Parliament earlier this year.
Israel expects to secure new contracts for its air and missile defence systems from European countries within weeks, as governments across the continent continue to strengthen their militaries amid security concerns linked to Russia's war in Ukraine.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment