How MTS’s Membrana App is Reshaping Privacy and Telecom Security in Russia
Launched in early 2025, Membrana is a subscription-based telecom and privacy protection platform designed to guard users against spam, trackers, scams, and data leaks—built directly into the operator’s infrastructure.
How It Works
Developed by Russian telecom operator MTS, Membrana is an integrated mobile service and app focused on cybersecurity. It features an AI assistant that manages incoming calls, blocks malware and ads, filters spam and fraudulent calls, and monitors data leaks.
The platform includes tools such as temporary email generation (valid for 10 minutes or one hour) to shield users’ primary addresses and proprietary algorithms to identify suspicious sites and targeted ad trackers. Ad blocking, IP masking, leak monitoring, and threat analytics are built-in.
Priced at 1,900 rubles per month, the subscription includes 100GB of traffic, unlimited MTS calls, 2,000 minutes to other providers, and both SMS and incoming call support. Following its national rollout in January 2025, Membrana is now scaling rapidly.
Scale and Security Impact
What sets Membrana apart is its operator-level filtering. Unlike typical mobile security apps that act only on the device, Membrana applies protection across the network layer, providing broader defense against cyber threats.
For individual users, it enhances protection against fraud, ensures greater privacy, and reduces exposure to unwanted communications. For the government, it represents a critical upgrade to national cybersecurity infrastructure. And at the global level, Membrana has potential as an exportable cybersecurity product.
Future Development Path
With its modular structure and hybrid of mobile and network intelligence, Membrana could be adapted for international markets—especially in the CIS. Potential upgrades include defenses against deepfakes and voice spoofing, as well as expanded machine learning modules.
MTS also envisions feature-specific tiers, including options for parental controls and enterprise-grade protections tailored to corporate clients.
A History of Security Enhancements
Membrana builds on MTS’s earlier security initiatives. In 2024, MTS launched Safe Call, which warned users mid-conversation of suspected fraud attempts. Later that year, it introduced AI-powered Smart SMS Filter, which analyzed sender metadata and content to block marketing spam while letting through critical messages from banks and government agencies.
According to the MTS Defender analytics tool, the share of scam-related calls dropped from 70% to 50% between July and November 2024 following the deployment of new services. By 2025, MTS had expanded Membrana’s scope to include encrypted traffic and disposable email features. Analysts estimate the service could generate 6–7 billion rubles in annual revenue for MTS.
Outlook and Market Position
Membrana is seen as a natural evolution of MTS’s Defender product line, transitioning from call and SMS security to comprehensive digital hygiene. Industry analysts suggest that many telecoms offer similar features, but Membrana distinguishes itself through operator-side deployment and deeper AI integration.
Short-term goals include geographic expansion and added AI modules. Medium-term plans target CIS and Eastern Europe, with potential partnerships involving banks and public institutions. Long-term strategy includes B2B offerings and international cybersecurity exports.
