Russia recently initiated tests of its “sovereign internet” infrastructure, disrupting internet access in several regions, including Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia. The disruptions, which lasted for nearly 24 hours in some areas, were part of an effort by Russian authorities to evaluate the country’s ability to maintain domestic services in the event of external interference. According to the Institute for the Study of War, these trials were conducted in regions with significant ethnic minority populations, particularly in areas with Muslim-majority communities. The tests aimed to assess Russia’s readiness to ensure the continued functioning of key services, both foreign and domestic, without relying on the global internet.
During the disruptions, residents were unable to access several popular apps and websites, including Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, and even services from the Russian internet giant Yandex. The blocks extended beyond local websites to include foreign platforms, with some users reporting difficulties accessing content even through virtual private networks (VPNs). The Russian internet service provider in the North Caucasus region acknowledged the complaints but stated it could not influence the situation, indicating that these interruptions were part of the sovereign internet testing.
The long-term goal of these tests, according to Roskomnadzor, Russia’s internet regulator, is to assess the nation’s ability to maintain control over its digital infrastructure without relying on foreign platforms. Russia has long sought to create a self-sufficient internet, often called the Runet, which would function independently from the global internet and comply with Russian laws. These tests are part of an ongoing effort to isolate Russia from the influence of Western tech giants, such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple, which have restricted their services in the country since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
In addition to the sovereign internet tests, Russian authorities are reportedly considering further actions, such as blocking foreign hosting service providers like GoDaddy, Amazon Web Services, and HostGator for non-compliance with local regulations. This move is viewed by experts as part of a broader strategy to increase censorship and control over the digital landscape, marking a new phase in online censorship. Critics argue that this will limit access to global information and technologies while deepening Russia’s digital isolation.
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