JAKARTA - The Russian government is tightening its control over the domestic digital space, by blocking popular messaging services, restricting mobile internet access, and expanding the authority of security forces in online surveillance.
In the past week, internet disruptions have been reported daily in a number of major areas, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. A number of reports say that the mobile network even went completely dead in some places, disrupting the activities of people from office workers to taxi drivers who rely on online navigation.
The government has also taken steps against instant messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Telegram has experienced speed restrictions, while WhatsApp has been blocked completely for not complying with local regulations.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the move was legal and related to national security, including the threat of drone attacks from Ukraine that he said could use cellular networks for navigation.
At the same time, the government introduced new regulations that strengthen the role of the FSB security agency. The rules give mobile operators the authority to cut off customer service at the request of the authorities, as well as paving the way for the establishment of a network of pre-trial detention centers under the direct control of the FSB.
A number of foreign diplomats consider this step as part of the Kremlin's efforts to strengthen domestic control amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. They said Russia now has the option to carry out a "massive tightening" of the internet if the political or security situation worsens.
This tightening is also seen from the increase in blocking VPN services. As of mid-January, more than 400 VPNs have been blocked - a significant increase compared to the previous year. In fact, many citizens use VPNs not for political activities, but simply to access global applications such as Instagram or Snapchat which are also restricted.
Russia's move is said to be taking lessons from internet control models in countries such as China and Iran, with the aim of being able to broadly restrict access both on mobile and fixed networks, as well as control the flow of digital communications.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously stressed the importance of strengthening "information and digital space" in the context of a war he described as a confrontation with the West.
However, this policy has drawn criticism. Telegram founder Pavel Durov accused the Russian government of trying to suppress citizens' freedom of expression and privacy. He called the increasing restrictions a sign of the country's fear of its own people.
On the ground, the impact is immediate. Teenagers have to keep changing VPNs to stay connected, workers have trouble carrying out their duties, and citizen mobility is disrupted due to limited digital access.
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