Steve Rosenberg: Internet Under Ever Tighter Kremlin Control Causes Discontent in Russia
Near the Kremlin, dozens of people stand in line outside the presidential administration office.
TL;DR
- Several dozen people lined up outside the presidential administration office near the Kremlin to submit petitions urging President Vladimir Putin to end internet shutdowns.
- Russian authorities are increasing control over the country's cyberspace, restricting access to messaging apps and disrupting mobile internet.
- Protesters face surveillance, and attempts to organize public demonstrations against internet restrictions have been met with refusals and warnings.
- Businesses, like Julia's catering company, report significant financial losses due to internet blockages, as their operations are entirely dependent on online access.
- Officials claim internet shutdowns are necessary for public safety and to disrupt Ukrainian drones, though drone attacks continue even in areas with complete internet outages.
- The government is promoting a state-backed messaging app, MAKS, as part of an initiative for a 'sovereign internet,' but public trust is low.
- Critics describe the situation as the erection of a digital 'Iron Curtain,' separating Russia from the outside world.
- While the government cites security reasons, the disruptions are causing widespread daily problems and growing public frustration, impacting citizens' ability to work, communicate, and access information.
- Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that security concerns dictate the current measures and that services will return to normal once the need for such measures passes.
- Some analysts believe the regime is not ready to reverse course and may continue towards greater repression, although growing dissatisfaction could manifest in the future.
- Recent polls show Putin's popularity at its lowest since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with public discontent fueled by economic worries and war fatigue.
- Citizens are beginning to connect their daily problems, such as healthcare and food prices, to President Vladimir Putin's policies.
- Russians are adapting to the restrictions, with some expressing a sense of uncertainty about the future and focusing only on immediate plans.
- Blogger Victoria Bonya's viral Instagram video criticizing internet shutdowns highlighted a "huge, thick wall between you and us, ordinary people."
- Putin has acknowledged the internet disruption issues and instructed law enforcement to be "resourceful and professional" to address citizens' vital interests, but no fundamental shift in policy is indicated.