Russia's Internet Shutdowns: A Growing Crisis

Russia is currently engaged in a systematic effort to sever its internet from global networks, a process described as piecemeal and opaque by experts. Since March 20, 2026, significant disruptions have been reported, particularly with the messaging platform Telegram, which has faced increasing blocks across over 500 networks, including major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Analysts from Amnezia VPN noted that the scale and technical capability of these censorship efforts have intensified, with Russian authorities indicating plans to fully block Telegram by early April. The head of Rostelecom, Russia's largest telecommunications company, has suggested that popular foreign messaging services like WhatsApp are "dead," signaling a shift towards a state-controlled alternative, the MAX messaging service.

The Guardian

The crackdown on internet access in Russia has been ongoing for at least a year, with mobile networks being shut down under the guise of public safety. Authorities have justified these actions by citing threats from Ukrainian drone attacks. In March 2026, mobile internet was entirely disabled in Moscow's city center, causing significant disruptions to banking services and communication. This follows a trend where mobile internet outages were initially limited to outlying regions but have now expanded to major urban centers.

Human Rights WatchThe Guardian

The implications of these internet shutdowns are profound. Users have reported being unable to access essential services, including banking and communication apps, leading to increased reliance on outdated technologies such as pagers and paper maps. The economic impact is also notable, with estimates suggesting that Russian businesses lose approximately 1 billion rubles for each day of shutdowns in Moscow. The introduction of "whitelists"—a list of pre-approved websites—has further complicated access to information, as many essential sites remain blocked.

Human Rights WatchThe GuardianNew York Times

Human Rights Watch has condemned the internet shutdowns as blatant violations of freedom of expression and assembly. Protests against these restrictions have been met with police crackdowns, resulting in detentions and reports of violence against demonstrators. Authorities have banned protests in at least 40 cities, citing various pretexts, including threats of terrorism and public safety concerns. Critics argue that these measures are not only unjustified but also infringe upon the fundamental rights of citizens.

Human Rights Watch

Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, defended the internet restrictions, stating they are necessary to ensure the safety of Russian citizens. He emphasized that these measures would remain in place "for as long as necessary." Meanwhile, Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev has announced plans to intensify the crackdown on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many Russians use to bypass state censorship.

The Independent

While the Russian government maintains that internet restrictions are essential for public safety, critics and human rights organizations argue that these actions are politically motivated. The lack of transparency regarding the criteria for the whitelists and the justification for shutdowns raises questions about the legitimacy of the government's claims. Additionally, there are discrepancies in reports regarding the duration and extent of internet outages across different regions.

Human Rights Watch

As the situation evolves, analysts predict that internet shutdowns in Moscow may become routine. The international community is urged to support efforts to ensure access to information and to challenge the increasing censorship in Russia. The ongoing crackdown on VPNs and foreign platforms indicates a broader strategy to control information flow and limit dissent within the country.

The Independent