Internet Blackouts and Censorship in Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict

In response to ongoing security concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine, Russian authorities have implemented widespread internet blackouts, particularly affecting mobile data services in major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. These outages, which have disrupted daily life by hindering communication and navigation, have been justified by officials as necessary for national security. However, critics argue that the rationale is unconvincing and may serve ulterior motives related to information control.

The Russian government has progressively tightened its grip on cyberspace since the 2010s, with the establishment of the "sovereign internet" law in 2019. This legislation mandates that internet providers install state-controlled monitoring equipment, enabling real-time filtering and surveillance of online content. Anastasiya Zhyrmont, a policy manager at Access Now, notes that this model allows the state to suppress dissent and shape public narratives through propaganda.

The recent blackouts have drawn criticism even from pro-Kremlin figures, such as Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod, who questioned the decision's impact on public safety during drone attacks. He called for accountability from Roskomnadzor, Russia's cyber-censorship agency, highlighting the potential dangers of disrupted communication during emergencies.

In light of these restrictions, the Russian government has promoted alternative digital platforms to replace popular services like Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram, which have been blocked for allegedly spreading misinformation about the war. One notable app is "Max," designed to serve multiple functions, including government services. However, concerns have been raised regarding its surveillance capabilities, as it reportedly tracks user movements and collects extensive personal data.

Diana, a teacher from St. Petersburg, expressed her apprehension about using Max, fearing it could be a tool for mass surveillance. The app's invasive features, such as the ability to activate microphones and cameras without user consent, have raised alarms among privacy advocates.

The impact of these internet restrictions has been felt across various demographics, particularly among the youth, who have lost access to previously popular services. Kirill F., a 39-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, remarked that the younger generation perceives these actions as violations of their personal freedoms, contrasting the blame placed on Western sanctions for previous restrictions.

Zhyrmont predicts that while state-approved services may be reinstated to alleviate public frustration, the trend towards normalizing internet shutdowns will likely continue, allowing the government to control access during sensitive periods. Despite this, a complete ban on VPNs is considered unlikely, as some organizations may still require access for legitimate purposes.

There is a discrepancy in the public's perception of the effectiveness of these internet blackouts. While some officials argue they are necessary for security, experts contend that disrupting civilian internet access is a blunt and ineffective strategy against the threats cited by the government.

• “We don’t want it, we don’t want it,” — Children on a Russian game show, expressing discontent with internet restrictions.

• “Disrupting civilian internet access is a blunt instrument and is widely seen by experts as ineffective against the kind of threats being cited.” — Anastasiya Zhyrmont, Access Now.

• “Who will answer for the deaths of people who were unable to get information about drones because mobile internet was shut down?” — Vyacheslav Gladkov, Governor of Belgorod.

• “The youth have had all their popular services blocked, and whereas before, when [SWIFT] payment systems were blocked, that could be blamed on Western sanctions, now it’s our Russian state taking this away,” — Kirill F., St. Petersburg resident.