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Russia Targets Inactive SIMs to Curb Drone Attacks

11/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Russia plans a 24-hour blackout of mobile internet and SMS for SIMs inactive over three days or returning from roaming, to curb 'ownerless' SIMs used in drone attacks, per Kommersant.
Subscribers can restore connectivity via verification, though the start date remains unclear.
The policy follows a blackout for foreign SIM cards.
Authorities are weighing restrictions on foreign software, with possible bans on WhatsApp and Google Meet, citing national security concerns.

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Story summary

Russia plans a 24-hour blackout of mobile internet and SMS for SIMs inactive over three days or returning from roaming, to curb 'ownerless' SIMs used in drone attacks, per Kommersant.
Subscribers can restore connectivity via verification, though the start date remains unclear.
The policy follows a blackout for foreign SIM cards.
Authorities are weighing restrictions on foreign software, with possible bans on WhatsApp and Google Meet, citing national security concerns.