Russia has reportedly conducted a test that temporarily disconnected certain regions from the global internet, effectively isolating them. This test, which primarily affected areas like Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia—regions with majority-Muslim populations—has left residents unable to access popular platforms such as Google, YouTube, and WhatsApp, even when attempting to use VPNs.
According to Roskomsvoboda, a Russian digital rights organization, most VPN services were rendered ineffective during the shutdown, though some managed to remain operational.
This move is part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to build a “sovereign internet” that allows the government to exert greater control over online activity. The country has invested around $648 million in its national internet infrastructure and has been gradually implementing internet restrictions since at least 2019.
The recent isolation test follows previous instances where Russia has experimented with internet censorship, including throttling access to platforms like YouTube. Additionally, the Russian government has been blocking VPN services, with at least 197 currently restricted in the country.
Experts warn that these actions signal a growing trend towards internet fragmentation, similar to censorship practices seen in countries like China. As the situation continues to unfold, the long-term impact on internet freedom in Russia and the effectiveness of VPNs in bypassing government controls remains uncertain.
