Russia conducted a major test of its sovereign internet infrastructure by disconnecting several regions from global internet access over the weekend, marking an intensified phase in the country's digital isolation efforts.
Residents in regions predominantly populated by ethnic minorities, including Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia, found themselves unable to access popular platforms like YouTube, Google, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Even virtual private networks (VPNs), typically used to bypass restrictions, proved ineffective during the shutdown.
According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, authorities restored connectivity in Dagestan after a 24-hour blockage on Saturday, December 7, 2024. The telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor described the shutdown as a regional trial of its capability to restrict access to foreign internet.
This test follows similar trials conducted in July 2024, when Russia evaluated its "sovereign internet" infrastructure's functionality in isolation from the global network. The Kremlin has announced plans to invest over $500 million in the next five years to enhance its internet-blocking capabilities, particularly targeting VPN usage.
The crackdown on internet freedom in Russia continues to intensify. A March 2024 law criminalized sharing information about circumventing internet restrictions, including VPN services. Currently, approximately 200 VPN services are blocked in Russia, with 60 VPN apps removed from the Russian Apple App Store between July and September alone.
In a parallel development, Roskomnadzor announced plans to restrict access to eight major foreign web hosting providers, including Amazon Web Services, GoDaddy, and HostGator, citing their failure to comply with censorship requirements.
A technical expert from Roskomsvoboda, a Russian digital rights group, noted that while some VPNs remained functional during the shutdown, the ongoing battle between censors and circumvention technology developers continues to evolve, highlighting the escalating nature of Russia's internet control measures.