US EditionGoing online in Russia can be frustrating, complicated and even dangerous
RUSSIA, AUG 5 – Russia has blocked major platforms and enforced new laws to control internet use, with WhatsApp facing a ban despite 97 million monthly users, experts say restrictions are intensifying.
- Russian authorities adopted restrictive laws and blocked major social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Signal since 2022.
- These actions were part of a prolonged Kremlin campaign to regulate online behavior, which intensified following the 2011-12 protests during which digital platforms played a role in opposing the government.
- During the summer, the government intensified internet limitations by blocking cellphone internet services and enacting laws that criminalize searching for broadly defined extremist material, while simultaneously preparing to replace WhatsApp with a new national messaging app called MAX.
- In April, WhatsApp was used by more than 97 million people monthly, but lawmaker Anton Gorelkin suggested the app should be ready to exit the Russian market as MAX gains attention despite limited user adoption so far.
- Human Rights Watch describes Moscow's approach as 'death by a thousand cuts,' reflecting a multipronged, deliberate campaign bringing Russia closer to isolating its internet under Kremlin control.
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48 Articles
48 Articles
The Russian authorities are trying by all means to place the Web under the complete control of the Kremlin.
·Montreal, Canada
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Using the internet in Russia can be frustrating, complicated and dangerous
Going online in Russia can be frustrating, complicated and even dangerous. Accessing independent news sites, Facebook, and YouTube is increasingly difficult due to extensive online censorship.
·Washington, United States
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)How Putin is using his powers to block what Russians can see online
Some Russians have used VPNs to counteract the internet restrictions but these apps have been routinely blocked
·London, United Kingdom
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Associated Press News+28 Reposted by 28 other sources
How Russia reins in the internet by blocking websites and isolating it from the rest of the world
Going online in Russia can be frustrating, complicated and even dangerous. Accessing independent news sites, Facebook, and YouTube is increasingly difficult due to extensive online censorship.
·United States
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Total News Sources48
Leaning Left19Leaning Right1Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution51% Left
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources lean Left
51% Left
L 51%
C 46%
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