Russia Tightens Grip on the Internet

Russia’s Mobile Internet Blackouts Escalate: Drones and Dissent on the Line

Moscow, Russia – August 5, 2025 – Russian citizens are increasingly experiencing disruptions to their mobile internet service, a trend described by telecom giant Beeline as becoming “common.” The company issued a directive on July 18, advising users on how to navigate frequent, deliberate slowdowns and outright outages of mobile data. These disruptions, spanning most of the Russian Federation in recent weeks, have important implications for daily life and raise concerns about the creeping erosion of digital freedoms.

Authorities attribute these internet restrictions to the need to prevent Ukrainian drone attacks, even when strikes are reported thousands of kilometers from the front lines. However, critics argue that these justifications mask a broader strategy of controlling details and silencing dissent within the “Runet,” Russia’s segment of the internet.

The deliberate throttling of mobile data first became noticeable during the May 9 celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of victory over nazi Germany. The problem intensified following the “Payatina” (Spiderweb) operation on June 1, a coordinated drone attack targeting five Russian air bases, including some in Siberia.The NGO Na Svyazi documented a stark increase, recording 69 incidents in May and a staggering 655 in June. By July 15, the NGO reported mobile internet interruptions in over 85% of Russia’s regions.

Sarkis Darbinyan, co-founder of the internet user advocacy group Roskosvoboda, explained the heightened state of alert: “The ‘Payatina’ operation terrified Russian authorities who understood that drones could appear everywhere.” This widespread fear appears to have translated into a nationwide policy of preemptive digital silencing, impacting communication, access to information, and the ability of citizens to organize or express dissenting views.

Evergreen Insight: The Russian government’s tactic of using security pretexts to restrict internet access is a pattern observed globally. As geopolitical tensions rise, nations frequently enough leverage the threat of external aggression to consolidate internal control over information flow. This strategy not only aims to neutralize immediate security risks but also to preemptively stifle potential opposition and maintain a narrative favorable to the ruling regime. The long-term consequences include a less informed populace, reduced civic engagement, and a chilling effect on freedom of expression, all of which can have lasting impacts on democratic progress and societal progress. The ongoing situation in Russia serves as a critical case study in the complex interplay between national security, technological control, and civil liberties in an era of asymmetric warfare and digital warfare.

What are the key components of Russia’s Sovereign Internet Law and how does it contribute to internet isolation?

The Escalating Digital Iron Curtain

russia’s control over its internet space, often referred to as the “Runet,” has been steadily increasing for years. However, recent developments, particularly since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, demonstrate a notable acceleration of these efforts.This isn’t simply about censorship; it’s a extensive strategy to isolate the Russian digital sphere, control information flow, and exert influence both domestically and internationally. key terms driving this trend include internet sovereignty, digital authoritarianism, and information control.

Key Legislation and Regulatory Changes

Several laws and regulations have formed the foundation of Russia’s tightening grip.Understanding these is crucial to grasping the scope of the issue:

Sovereign Internet Law (2019): This landmark legislation allows Russia to disconnect from the global internet in times of perceived threat. It mandates the creation of a national Domain Name System (DNS) and infrastructure to route traffic within Russia, bypassing international servers. This is a core component of internet isolation.

Data Localization Laws: these laws require companies operating in Russia to store the personal data of Russian citizens on servers located within the country. This gives Russian authorities greater access to user information.

Amendments to Extremism Laws: Broadly defined extremism laws are frequently used to justify the blocking of websites and the prosecution of individuals expressing dissenting opinions online.

Restrictions on VPNs and Anonymizers: The government actively blocks VPNs and anonymizers, tools commonly used to circumvent censorship and access blocked content. While not a complete ban,access is increasingly difficult.

The “Foreign Agent” Law: Expanded to include individuals and media outlets receiving funding from abroad, this law carries significant stigma and reporting requirements, effectively silencing critical voices.

Impact on Social Media Platforms & Online Services

The effects of these policies are readily apparent across various online platforms:

Blocking of Social Media: platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (now X) have been blocked or severely restricted in Russia. This has led to a surge in the popularity of domestic alternatives like VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, which are subject to greater government control.

Pressure on Tech companies: International tech companies face immense pressure to comply with Russian regulations, including data localization and content removal requests. Non-compliance can result in fines,service disruptions,or outright blocking.

Rise of Domestic Alternatives: The government actively promotes and funds the development of domestic alternatives to popular Western services, aiming to create a self-sufficient digital ecosystem. Examples include Yandex (search engine) and RuTube (video platform).

content Removal & Censorship: Content deemed “undesirable” or critical of the government is routinely removed from online platforms. This includes news articles, social media posts, and even online videos. The war in Ukraine has dramatically increased the pace of censorship.

The Role of Roskomnadzor

Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal communications regulator, is the primary enforcer of internet control. Its powers are extensive and include:

Website Blocking: Roskomnadzor maintains a blacklist of websites deemed illegal or harmful and can order internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to them.

Content Removal Requests: The agency issues legally binding requests to online platforms to remove content that violates Russian law.

Monitoring and Surveillance: Roskomnadzor actively monitors internet traffic and can identify and track individuals engaging in online activity deemed suspicious.

Imposing Fines: the agency has the authority to impose substantial fines on companies and individuals for violating internet regulations.

Circumvention Tools and Their Effectiveness

despite the tightening controls, many Russians continue to seek ways to access uncensored information. Common circumvention tools include:

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): While increasingly blocked, some VPNs remain effective, allowing users to mask their IP address and encrypt their internet traffic.

Tor browser: The Tor network provides anonymity by routing internet traffic through a series of relays. However, it can be slow and is also subject to blocking attempts.

Proxy Servers: Proxy servers act as intermediaries between users and the internet, allowing them to bypass censorship.

Psiphon: A censorship circumvention tool that uses a combination of VPN,SSH,and HTTP Proxy technologies.

However, the effectiveness of these tools is diminishing as Russia improves its blocking capabilities. The “digital cat-and-mouse game” continues,with circumvention tool developers constantly adapting to new restrictions.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

The Blocking of LinkedIn (2016): LinkedIn was blocked in Russia after failing to comply with data localization laws. This demonstrated the government’s willingness to target even established international platforms.

The Crackdown on Telegram (2018): Roskomnadzor attempted to block Telegram, a popular messaging app, but the effort was largely unsuccessful due to Telegram’s use of sophisticated circumvention techniques. Though, the attempt highlighted the government’s determination to control online interaction.

Post-Ukraine Invasion Censorship (2022-Present): Following the invasion of Ukraine, censorship dramatically increased, with widespread blocking of independent news websites and social media platforms. The use of laws against “discrediting” the Russian armed forces became commonplace.

* Recent reports of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Increased reports suggest Russia is deploying advanced DPI technology to identify and block encrypted traffic, further hindering the use of VPN