Full Breakdown
Russia’s Expanding Internet Crackdown: Petitions, Business Losses, and Official Justifications
4/25/2026, 5:44:07 AM
Internet Restrictions and Petitions Near the Kremlin
Since early 2024, Russian authorities have limited global messaging apps, imposed mobile-internet blackouts, and targeted VPNs while promoting the state-backed messenger MAX. Outside the presidential administration, dozens queue to submit petitions urging President Vladimir Putin to end the crackdown.
Security Rationale and Sovereign Internet Policy
Putin called the measures ‘operational work to prevent terrorist attacks’ and ordered essential services to stay online. The Kremlin says blackouts hinder Ukrainian drones and that foreign messengers breach Russian data laws, forming part of a ‘sovereign internet’ strategy.
Impact on Businesses and Daily Life
Catering owner Yulia says each block of Telegram or WhatsApp cuts her revenue, noting her business “will not exist” without internet. Activist Yulia Grekova adds, “it feels like we’re going backwards, sliding back to the past.” Taxis function but Google and independent news sites do not; Denis could not pay for petrol, and Alexander reports lost customers for small firms when services fail.
Official Government Position
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said “security considerations dictate the need for certain measures” and noted most citizens understand the necessity. He described the restrictions as temporary, to be lifted when the security situation changes.
Opposition and Public Discontent
Former MP Boris Nadezhdin warned of a “huge, thick wall” separating the president from ordinary people. Celebrity blogger Victoria Bonya repeated this in a viral Instagram address to Putin. Journalist Andrei Kolesnikov said the regime appears poised to expand repression rather than retreat.
Survey Data on Putin’s Approval
Recent surveys show Putin’s approval has fallen to its lowest level since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, indicating growing public unease linked to internet restrictions and broader socioeconomic pressures.
Conflicting Claims About Effectiveness
Authorities claim internet shutdowns disorient Ukrainian drones, yet attacks have continued in areas where connectivity was cut. Officials also assert the measures are short-term, but no timeline for restoration has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are losing money every time there is a blocking of the internet, a blocking of [messengers] Telegram and WhatsApp. My business is entirely on the internet. Without internet access, in this form it will not exist.” — Yulia, Catering Business Owner
- “It feels like we're going backwards,” — Yulia Grekova, Activist
- “There is a huge, thick wall between you and us, the ordinary people.” — Victoria Bonya, Celebrity Blogger
- “In the current situation, security considerations dictate the need for certain measures,” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin Spokesman
Outlook
Petitioners like Yulia continue to adapt their operations, citing generational resilience. The lack of a defined end date for restrictions leaves many uncertain about future planning.
