Russia's Digital Development Ministry has expanded a controversial registry of websites that remain accessible during mobile internet shutdowns, adding the channel of prominent state propagandist Vladimir Solovyov alongside essential services, according to reporting from independent Russian outlet Meduza citing business daily Kommersant.
The additions to what Russian authorities call the 'white list' include Solovyov Live, launched in April 2022 by Vladimir Solovyov, a television personality known for pro-Kremlin commentary. The registry expansion also encompasses navigation system GLONASS, online cinema platform Premier, and internet encyclopedia Ruviki, among dozens of other services.
According to Meduza's reporting, the updated list now includes a wide array of services: volunteer search-and-rescue platform LizaAlert, supermarket chains Lenta and Okei, car-sharing services Delimobil and Belkacar, medical clinic chains Medsi and Mother and Child, and major state corporations including Rosatom, Rostec, Rosneft, and mining company Nornickel. Banking services from Gazprombank and mobile operators VTB-Mobile and Next Mobile were also added, alongside the Kontinental Hockey League and television channels including 360°, Duma TV, and Solovyov Live.
Meduza reports that Russia began assembling this registry in fall 2025 as mobile internet shutdowns became increasingly frequent. The list covers banks, government services, navigation and ride-hailing applications, news outlets, online marketplaces, social networks, and entertainment platforms.
BBC correspondent Steve Rosenberg frames the broader context differently, reporting that officials justify the restrictions as necessary for public safety, while businesses and the general public experience significant impact from the tightening controls. The BBC characterizes the development as part of the Kremlin's "tightening grip on internet" that is fueling discontent among Russians.
The inclusion of Solovyov's channel on the essential services list is notable given his role in Russian state media. While Meduza identifies him explicitly as a "propagandist," the outlet provides no additional characterization of his work or the channel's content. The BBC does not mention Solovyov specifically in its coverage, focusing instead on the general public reaction to internet restrictions.
Neither source provides details on the technical mechanisms of the shutdowns, the frequency with which they occur, or the specific circumstances that trigger them. Meduza's reporting focuses on documenting the specific additions to the registry, while the BBC emphasizes the human impact and political implications of the controls.
The white list system represents a selective approach to internet access during shutdowns, allowing certain services to function while blocking others. The criteria for inclusion remain unclear from the available reporting, though the list appears to prioritize state services, major corporations with state ties, essential commercial services, and select media outlets.
Meduza notes that the registry includes both practical services like delivery platforms and navigation tools alongside entertainment options and media channels. The presence of Putin's All-Russia People's Front, the Znanie society, and the Federal Cossack Society suggests political and civic organizations aligned with state interests also receive priority access.
The BBC frames the issue within a narrative of growing public frustration, suggesting the restrictions are generating discontent despite official safety justifications. Meduza's coverage takes a more documentary approach, cataloging the specific additions without explicit commentary on public reaction or the political implications of prioritizing a state media figure's channel during internet disruptions.
Neither source reports on statements from Russian officials explaining the selection criteria or defending the specific choices. The BBC references official claims about public safety but provides no direct quotes or detailed explanation of what threats authorities cite to justify the shutdowns.