Moscow residents are navigating a third week of intermittent and widespread internet outages, prompting a return to analog tools and raising questions about the Kremlin’s rationale for the disruptions. While officials attribute the outages to increasingly sophisticated Ukrainian cyberattacks requiring enhanced security measures, the prolonged disruption is impacting daily life for millions in the capital.
The disruptions, which began on March 5th, are not uniform. Reports indicate a patchwork of connectivity, with some areas experiencing complete blackouts while others have access to a limited “whitelist” of services, including state-run platforms and Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank. This selective access has led to a surge in demand for workarounds, from VPNs to, surprisingly, paper maps.
The situation has forced Muscovites to adapt. A correspondent walking through the city center observed a noticeable shift in behavior, with residents relying on offline methods for navigation and communication. According to data from Chitai-gorod, Russia’s largest bookstore chain, sales of paper maps in Moscow increased by nearly 50% between March 6th and 10th. “Right now, they’re buying them when everyone is without internet. Even adult men are like helpless children: ‘Aaa, help me, supply me a map!’” a bookseller told a correspondent, reflecting a sense of disorientation among those accustomed to constant connectivity.
HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP / AFP
Navigating a Disconnected Moscow
The internet outages are particularly acute on the Moscow Metro, a vital artery for the city’s commuters. Attempts to connect to the metro’s Wi-Fi network are reportedly cumbersome, requiring lengthy waits for SMS verification codes. Even with a VPN, access to popular messaging apps like Telegram remains unreliable. Yet, services within the “whitelist,” such as Yandex Music, continue to function, offering a limited form of digital escape.
The disruptions are likewise impacting essential services. A Moscow resident, Jewgienija, recounted difficulties accessing medical information during a recent doctor’s appointment. Unable to retrieve appointment details from an app on the “whitelist” due to the outage, she was forced to rely on printed slips of paper – a throwback to pre-digital times. “I came to the clinic and simply didn’t have internet,” she said. “I couldn’t check the details of my visit, for example, the doctor’s office or his name.”
Demand for Alternatives and Official Response
As connectivity falters, residents are seeking alternatives. Queues are forming at mobile operator offices as people attempt to purchase modern SIM cards, hoping to find a network with better service. One Tele2 customer was told by an employee that internet access was unavailable in the city center and that service was limited to “white listed” applications. Others are turning to VPNs, seeking to bypass the restrictions and access blocked content, including Telegram.
The Kremlin has attributed the outages to the need for “more advanced technologically means of protection” in response to increasingly sophisticated attacks from Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, stated that the disruptions were a necessary measure to ensure the safety of citizens. However, this explanation has done little to alleviate the frustration of residents facing daily disruptions.
The “Whitelist” and its Limitations
According to Eldar Murtazin, the lead analyst at Mobile Research Group, the effectiveness of the “whitelist” system is inconsistent. Speaking to RTVI, Murtazin explained that during outages, the whitelist sometimes functions fully, while at other times only specific resources are accessible. He added that We find even instances where only voice calls remain functional, with all other data services, including those on the whitelist, unavailable. This inconsistency adds to the uncertainty and inconvenience experienced by Muscovites.
The situation has even prompted calls for a return to older technologies. Igor Antropenko, a deputy from the United Russia party, has proposed the installation of public telephone booths with internet access in major cities, offering a potential lifeline for those without reliable connectivity.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing internet disruptions in Moscow highlight the vulnerability of modern infrastructure and the challenges of maintaining connectivity in the face of geopolitical tensions. While the Kremlin frames the outages as a security measure, the impact on daily life is undeniable. The situation remains fluid, and the duration and extent of the disruptions are uncertain. Continued monitoring of network availability and official statements will be crucial in understanding the evolving situation in Moscow.
What are your thoughts on the impact of these internet disruptions? Share your comments below and let us know how you would adapt to a similar situation.
