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Russian Internet Restrictions Disrupt Small Business Operations
Unpredictable outages and curbs on messaging apps such as Telegram have created communication problems for Russian small businesses that rely on digital platforms for sales. The restrictions, which include limits on VPNs and periodic mobile internet shutdowns, have affected millions of firms and self-employed individuals. Digital sales of goods and services reached 11.5 trillion roubles in 2025.
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Unpredictable internet outages and restrictions on popular messaging applications have created operational difficulties for small businesses across Russia this year. Russian dogwear entrepreneur Natalia Kukovinets has switched messaging apps multiple times to maintain contact with customers.
"Telegram is basically everything when it comes to client communication," said Kukovinets. She reported that tracking incoming requests has become harder because the app requires a VPN to function reliably and notifications often fail to arrive. The restrictions include curbs on VPN use and security-related mobile internet shutdowns that have affected much of the country.
Around 2.9 million small- to medium-sized firms and 14.1 million self-employed individuals use messaging apps for business, according to state news agency Interfax in September. Moscow restaurant Skrepka was unable to process online orders for traditional iced Easter cakes in April after a glitch linked to the restrictions.
"Telegram was down, so the customers started shouting," said manager Daria Teterina. There is no official data on the economic impact of the internet curbs. The Kremlin stated this week that it would not compensate businesses for losses from a days-long shutdown of mobile internet coverage in Moscow.
Coverage was jammed in the capital for nearly three weeks in March and is regularly blocked elsewhere. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the restrictions are essential for security. A March survey by independent pollster Levada found that over two-thirds of Russians believe the measures have made life more difficult.
