The methods complement the Kremlin’s repressive infrastructure to keep dissenters and protesters in check and serve the country as a “diet of state propaganda.”
Russia has increased internet censorship using technology brought by China. The New York Times reports this.
Facing elections this weekend and the fallout from the death of Alexei Navalny and the war against Ukraine, Russian authorities are trying to tighten their control over citizens. The Kremlin has stepped up enforcement measures against digital tools used to bypass Internet blocks.
The country restricted access to WhatsApp and other communications apps in certain sectors during the protests. There has also been an increase in efforts to shut down websites and online services, according to civil society groups and researchers.
They say Russia is turning to methods that go beyond established practices of digital surveillance and hacking, using a more systematic approach to influence how the domestic Internet operates. The country also uses methods introduced by China and Iran. This allows for the emergence of an authoritarian model of Internet regulation that contrasts with the United States’ more open approach.
“Russia has reached a new level of blocking in the last six months,” said Russian telecommunications expert Mikhail Klimarev.
Internet censorship in Russia has been increasing for more than a decade, but the effectiveness and scale of recent blocks have surprised even tech experts. These methods complement the repressive infrastructure the Kremlin has created to keep dissidents and protesters in check and serve the country with a diet of state propaganda.
These moves come at a critical time for Vladimir Putin, who plans to extend his presidency this year. He is almost certain to win, according to the report, and his increasing control of the internet shows that the Russian government is not willing to take risks.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s main internet regulator, did not respond to a request for comment.
Let us remind you that on March 15, Putin’s portrait was hidden with a sheet in a ballot box in the Russian Federation. Social networks also indicate that unidentified people in military uniforms were present at the polls.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.