The Growing Control Over the Internet in Russia
Accessing the internet in Russia has become increasingly difficult and unpredictable. Users often encounter videos that won’t load, blank pages on independent media websites, or mobile internet connections that are down for hours or even days. These issues aren’t random glitches; they are part of a deliberate and long-term strategy by the Russian government to bring the internet under its full control.
The authorities have implemented restrictive laws, banned non-compliant websites, and developed advanced technologies to monitor and manipulate online traffic. While virtual private network (VPN) apps were once a way to bypass these restrictions, they too are now routinely blocked. In recent years, the government has further tightened its grip by implementing widespread mobile internet shutdowns and enacting a law that penalizes users for searching for content deemed illegal.
A Long History of Internet Control
The Russian government’s efforts to regulate the internet date back to 2011-12, when the internet became a tool for challenging authority. Independent media outlets flourished, and anti-government demonstrations were organized online after disputed parliamentary elections and Putin’s decision to run for president again. In response, the Kremlin began introducing regulations to tighten internet controls, including blocking websites, requiring providers to store call records and messages, and installing equipment that allowed authorities to control and cut off traffic.
Companies like Google and Facebook were pressured to store user data on Russian servers, but these efforts failed. Plans were also announced for a “sovereign internet” that could be disconnected from the global network. Prosecutions for social media posts and comments became common, showing that the government was closely monitoring online activity.
However, experts initially dismissed these efforts as futile, arguing that Russia was far from building something like China’s “Great Firewall.” That perception changed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when the government blocked major platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, as well as Signal and other messaging apps. VPNs were also targeted, making it harder to access restricted websites.
Recent Developments and New Restrictions
YouTube access was disrupted last summer, with experts suggesting it was a deliberate act by authorities. The Kremlin blamed Google for not maintaining its hardware in Russia. YouTube had been popular in Russia for both entertainment and for hosting voices critical of the government, such as the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
In addition to targeting social media platforms, the Russian government introduced a new law that criminalizes online searches for broadly defined “extremist” materials. This could include LGBTQ+ content, opposition groups, some songs by performers critical of the Kremlin, and even Navalny’s memoir, which was recently labeled as extremist.
Experts warn that this law is a step toward punishing consumers, not just providers, similar to the situation in Belarus, where people are routinely fined or jailed for reading or following certain independent media outlets.
The Push for a National Messaging App
Another significant move by the Russian government is the promotion of a new “national” messaging app called MAX, developed by VK. It is being positioned as a one-stop shop for messaging, online government services, and payments. However, its terms and conditions state that it will share user data with authorities upon request, and a new law mandates its preinstallation in all smartphones sold in Russia.
While WhatsApp remains a popular choice for over 97 million monthly users in Russia, there are growing concerns that it may soon be blocked. Analysts suggest that the government is preparing for this eventuality, with some lawmakers already calling for WhatsApp to leave the Russian market.
Consolidation of Internet Infrastructure
A recent Human Rights Watch report highlights a concerning trend: the consolidation of Russia’s internet providers and companies that manage IP addresses. The cost of obtaining an internet provider license has skyrocketed, and more than half of all IP addresses in Russia are managed by seven large companies, with Rostelecom accounting for 25 percent.
This concentration of power gives the government greater control over the internet infrastructure, making it easier to monitor and restrict online activities.
Challenges and Resistance
Despite these efforts, many Russians continue to use Western platforms and services. Cyber lawyer Sarkis Darbinyan notes that about half of all Russian websites are powered by foreign hosting providers, which offer better quality and price than domestic alternatives. Cutting them off would automatically make those websites inaccessible in Russia as well.
However, the government is pushing businesses to migrate to Russian hosting providers that can be controlled. This shift, combined with the increasing costs of doing business in Russia, is creating a challenging environment for independent media and digital rights advocates.
The Road Ahead
While Russia is not yet fully isolated from the global internet, the government’s efforts are bringing it closer to that goal. Experts like Anastasiia Kruope of Human Rights Watch note that the Kremlin is refining its technology and gaining a deeper understanding of the internet’s architecture. Western sanctions and the departure of international companies since 2022 have further aided these efforts.
Despite the challenges, resistance persists. Activists and digital rights groups continue to fight for internet freedom, and many Russians still find ways to access information and communicate freely. However, the future of the internet in Russia looks increasingly uncertain, with the government’s control tightening with each passing day.