The Challenges of Internet Access in Russia
Navigating the internet in Russia has become increasingly difficult, with users facing a range of obstacles. YouTube videos that won’t load, independent media websites that display blank pages, and mobile phone internet connections that go down for hours or even days are common experiences. These issues are not random technical glitches but part of a deliberate strategy by Russian authorities to exert full control over the internet.
The government has implemented restrictive laws and banned websites and platforms that refuse to comply with their regulations. Advanced technologies have been developed 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 months, the government has taken further steps to limit access. Widespread shutdowns of mobile internet connections have occurred, and a new law imposes penalties on users who search for content deemed illegal. Additionally, there are growing threats against popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, with plans to introduce a national alternative that is expected to be heavily monitored.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for foreign internet services to be “stifled” and has ordered officials to compile a list of platforms from “unfriendly” countries that should be restricted. This approach reflects a broader effort to assert control over digital spaces.
A Long History of Control
Kremlin efforts to regulate online activities date back to 2011-12, when the internet was used to challenge authority. Independent media outlets flourished, and anti-government demonstrations were organized online following disputed elections and Putin’s re-election bid. In response, the government introduced stricter regulations, blocking websites and requiring providers to store user data for potential sharing with security services.
Companies such as Google and Facebook were pressured to store user data on Russian servers, but these efforts failed. Plans for a “sovereign internet” that could be disconnected from the global web were also announced. Prosecutions for social media posts became common, indicating that authorities were closely monitoring online activity.
Despite these measures, many experts initially dismissed the Kremlin’s attempts as futile, arguing that Russia was far from achieving something like China’s “Great Firewall.” However, the situation changed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Major social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, were blocked, along with messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp.
YouTube faced disruptions, with experts attributing this to deliberate throttling by authorities. The platform, which was widely used in Russia for both entertainment and critical voices, was targeted, with the Kremlin blaming Google for not maintaining its hardware in the country.
New Laws and Increased Surveillance
A new Russian law criminalizes online searches for broadly defined “extremist” materials. This includes LGBTQ+ content, opposition groups, and even Alexei Navalny’s memoir, which was recently labeled as extremist. Rights advocates warn that this is a step toward punishing consumers, not just service providers, similar to the situation in Belarus.
While it may be challenging to track individual searches in a country of 146 million people, even limited cases could deter users from accessing restricted content. Another concern is the potential blocking of WhatsApp, which has over 97 million monthly users in Russia. A new “national” messenger, MAX, developed by VK, is being promoted as an alternative, with plans for preinstallation on all smartphones sold in Russia.
Consolidation of Internet Infrastructure
Recent reports highlight the consolidation of Russia’s internet infrastructure. The cost of obtaining an internet provider license has skyrocketed, and more than half of all IP addresses are managed by seven large companies, with Rostelecom accounting for 25 percent. This concentration of power allows the government to exert greater control over online traffic.
Experts note that the Kremlin has been refining its technology over the years, gaining a deeper understanding of the internet’s architecture and key players. Western sanctions and the departure of major tech companies since 2022 have also aided these efforts.
While Russia is not yet fully isolated from the global internet, the government’s actions are bringing it closer to that goal. As the situation continues to evolve, the challenges faced by Russian internet users show no signs of abating.