Story perspectives

Russia Expands Internet Control, Blocks Western Platforms

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russia is expanding a sovereign internet by blocking Twitter and Facebook since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Authorities have introduced a whitelist system for approved websites and criminalized searches for extremist content.
Mobile internet outages have surged, with over 900 disruptions reported in the past seven months.
Human Rights Watch and experts warn the measures aim to isolate Russia's internet and promote the Kremlin's state-controlled MAX messaging app.

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Story summary

Russia is expanding a sovereign internet by blocking Twitter and Facebook since the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Authorities have introduced a whitelist system for approved websites and criminalized searches for extremist content.
Mobile internet outages have surged, with over 900 disruptions reported in the past seven months.
Human Rights Watch and experts warn the measures aim to isolate Russia's internet and promote the Kremlin's state-controlled MAX messaging app.