Russia Blocks Speedtest Services From Ookla Due To Internet Security Threats

Ookla, is considered to be threatening the security of the Russian internet. (photo: x @MezhaMedia)

Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor announced on Wednesday 30 that it had blocked the Speedtest internet performance gauge, operated by US company Ookla, for threatening Russian internet security.

Foreign technology companies, including Alphabet (Google owners), Meta (Facebook and Instagram owners), and Apple, have faced pressure in Russia over the past few years regarding the content they distributed and the location of data storage.

Roskomnadzor stated that the blocking of Speedt was carried out in accordance with the 2020 decree "has resulted in the identification of threats to the security of public communication network operations and the Russian internet segment."

Ookla has not yet responded to requests for comment.

"Roskomnadzor recommends the use of trusted Russian local services," the agency said. They also called a Russian-made application ProSet (or ProNet in English) which has a similar function to test the speed and strength of internet signals.

Russia has long sought to realize "digital sovereignty" by promoting domestic services. This effort intensified after several Western companies left the Russian market following the Moscow invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The Russian government has blocked a number of social media platforms such as Meta's Instagram and Facebook, slowed access to YouTube, and warned WhatsApp messaging apps to prepare to leave the Russian market. Instead, the government encourages the use of a locally made messaging application called MAX.

In a report released on Wednesday,Human Rights Watch(HRW) stated that the Russian government continues to increase its technology capacity and control over the country's internet infrastructure, enabling the blocking and slowdown of unwanted sites as well as broader bypassensor tools.

"Over the years, Russian authorities have expanded their legal tools and technology to isolate the Russian internet into a very controlled space," said Anastasiia Kruope, HRW researcher for Europe and Central Asia.

The Russian parliament has also approved a new law that tightens sensors and has the potential to have a major impact on digital privacy. Russian citizens could be fined if they look for content deemed "extreme" by the government.

HRW noted that Russian citizens are now facing higher risks that their personal data will be submitted to law enforcement.

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has not yet responded to the HRW report.