Shutdowns of cellphone internet links sweep Russia, further limiting already-stifled net freedom

In a troubling trend, Russia has recently implemented widespread cellphone internet shutdowns across numerous regions, significantly hampering the already restricted online freedoms of its citizens. A viral video by blogger Pavel Osipyan humorously highlights the dire situation in Rostov-on-Don, where he laments the lack of reliable connectivity, a sentiment echoed by many in the country. "We have internet until 12 o'clock, and recently there’s been no connection at all," he raps, showcasing the frustrations faced by residents struggling to conduct everyday transactions. These shutdowns, which officials attribute to the need for increased security against Ukrainian drone threats, have affected areas far beyond the conflict zones. Reports indicate that connectivity issues have spread from Rostov-on-Don to parts of Siberia and even the Far East. Citizens are experiencing disruptions in services such as electronic payments, taxi apps, and ATMs, reflecting a broader deterioration of digital infrastructure. Experts warn that these measures could have long-lasting implications for a society that is already grappling with tight government control over internet access. Anastasiya Zhyrmont from Access Now emphasizes that the normalization of such shutdowns could lead to further abuses of power by authorities under the guise of security. The escalation of these internet restrictions began around May, coinciding with Russia's commemorations of World War II. During this period, Moscow experienced significant disruptions, which were confirmed by officials as intentional responses to ongoing drone activity. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that such measures would remain in place as long as deemed necessary for public safety. As the summer progressed, shutdowns became more frequent, with activist group Na Svyazi reporting disruptions in 73 out of over 80 regions by mid-July. Local officials, like Nizhny Novgorod Governor Gleb Nikitin, have indicated that these restrictions will persist for as long as perceived threats exist. Residents from affected areas describe the outages as disorienting, with some likening their internet-less experience to being trapped in a cave. Connectivity patterns are erratic, with some parts of cities having service while others remain offline. In rural locales, where cellphone internet is often the sole means of access, the situation is particularly dire, affecting everything from pharmacy operations to community safety communications. In response to the growing crisis, authorities have announced plans to establish Wi-Fi hotspots and create an agency to coordinate these shutdowns. However, critics argue that these efforts are merely a band-aid solution to a more profound issue of state control over the internet. The Kremlin has a history of censoring online content and restricting access to foreign platforms, especially following its invasion of Ukraine last year. As the situation develops, analysts warn that these internet shutdowns are part of a broader strategy by the Kremlin to tighten its grip on digital communication in a manner similar to China's model, a goal that has eluded Russian authorities for decades. With citizens becoming increasingly accustomed to these restrictions, advocates argue that the normalization of such measures is a disturbing trend that must be challenged.