The Russian government, long known for attempts at silencing political opposition (ask reporters that dare to criticize Putin), began enforcing a law on November 1st that allows for government controls on the internet. The Kremlin has insisted that the law will improve cyber security and will not change user experience. However, the law gives almost complete control to the government to block websites and track internet users. It has spread fear that they may implement firewall controls similar to those in China, where many websites are banned nationwide.
Despite government claims that the bill is designed to support internet “sovereignty” in the event the West cuts off the Russians from foreign servers, it is widely believed that it is designed to control and monitor domestic internet traffic. Much of the infrastructure being built so far is focused on targeting and blocking users and content, with the messaging app Telegram believed to be the first target. Protests have occurred since March opposing the law, as many Russians see the law for what it is. Representatives from third party groups have noted that the law gives the government the possible power to bring the internet under complete state control.
We have often discussed the significance of censorship and information control. My last blog post also focused on censorship, but on social media sites such as Facebook. As we have seen in the past, information is a powerful tool , especially for governments intending to control flows of information. It also allows for higher effectiveness of propaganda and ability for easier control over narratives. The next few months will be crucial in the future of information in Russia and how the public will react.
BBC News. “Russia internet: Law introducing new controls comes into force.” BBC News: 1 November 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50259597#.