MOSCOW – Russian government officials on Tuesday justified their extensive digital restrictions, acknowledging these measures have significantly disrupted internet access for countless citizens across the nation.
Since launching its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow has dramatically expanded its online oversight, blocking messaging applications and virtual private networks that citizens use to circumvent digital censorship. Authorities have also disabled mobile internet services in various regions.
Dmitry Peskov, speaking for the Kremlin, indicated that certain restrictions may be temporary and could be removed when security conditions improve. He also noted that some measures target technology companies that have failed to follow Russian legal requirements.
Peskov emphasized that these digital controls do not signal a return to previous eras of strict information control, despite their widespread impact on Russian internet users.
