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Russia's Internet Tightens: Daily Life Disrupted
22 Nov
Summary
- Cellphone internet shutdowns affect dozens of Russian regions.
- Restrictions impact daily life, from banking to health monitoring.
- Authorities cite drone threats, critics doubt effectiveness.
Russia's digital landscape is undergoing significant tightening as internet access faces widespread disruptions. Cellphone internet shutdowns, initially implemented to counter Ukrainian drone navigation, have persisted for months across numerous regions. These outages, averaging daily in 57 regions by November, disrupt essential services like banking and remote health monitoring for diabetic children. While authorities defend these measures as "justified and necessary," analysts suggest they haven't curbed drone attacks effectively.
The government is also actively promoting a state-controlled messaging application, MAX, which critics view as a potential surveillance tool due to its data-sharing policies. This push for a unified, controlled digital space contrasts with the significant impact on citizens' daily lives, who report difficulties with online transactions and communication. Many view the restrictions with resignation, acknowledging their limited power against evolving government controls.
Experts anticipate further internet restrictions, including potential blocking of popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and broader controls on VPNs. The increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for logistics and economic activities presents a complex challenge, yet the trend points towards a more heavily regulated and monitored online environment within Russia.
