Russia has taken another step toward creating a state-controlled “sovereign internet,” cutting off several regions from global internet access for a day, according to reports from European and Russian outlets, as well as the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The affected regions—Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia—have predominantly Muslim populations and are located in southwestern Russia near Georgia and Azerbaijan. Residents in these areas were blocked from accessing foreign websites and apps, including Google, YouTube, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Even virtual private networks (VPNs), often used to bypass such restrictions, were reportedly ineffective during the shutdown. The digital rights NGO Roskomsvoboda noted that only a few VPNs managed to work, but details about which ones remain unclear.
The recent internet blackouts are part of Russia’s broader efforts to build a tightly controlled national internet infrastructure. Known as the “sovereign internet” project, it aims to isolate Russia from the global web and give the government near-total control over online content and services within the country. This strategy has been under development since at least 2019, with an estimated $648 million invested in related technologies and systems.
Earlier tests included throttling platforms like YouTube to make them nearly unusable, demonstrating the extent to which the Russian government can regulate online access. Plans reportedly include blocking foreign web hosting services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and HostGator, and requiring Russian residents and companies to migrate to government-approved, Russian-owned services.
Russia’s censorship efforts are reminiscent of China’s “Great Firewall,” which has been filtering internet access for over two decades. China’s Golden Shield project, launched in 1998, allows the government to control content and block foreign platforms like Zoom and Netflix. While Russia’s model is still evolving, experts speculate it could adopt similar measures to consolidate control over digital communication and commerce.
Russia’s moves, combined with actions by other authoritarian regimes, highlight the rise of a fragmented global internet—a phenomenon often referred to as the “splinternet.” Countries like China, Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia already impose heavy restrictions on internet access.
This fracturing has intensified as geopolitical tensions rise. For example, platforms like Wix and Notion recently stopped serving Russian users due to US sanctions, and domain registrar GoDaddy withdrew support for Russian domains in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine. These actions contribute to a more divided digital landscape, where access depends on geography and politics.
VPNs have long been a tool for bypassing censorship, allowing users to access restricted content by masking their location. However, Russia has been increasingly blocking VPNs, with at least 197 already restricted, and tech companies like Apple removing VPN apps from their Russian App Store.
While VPN use often spikes in response to censorship—such as during the enforcement of China’s national security law in Hong Kong—VPNs are not foolproof. Providers can identify and block VPN traffic, limiting their effectiveness.
The development of Russia’s sovereign internet and its increasing censorship capabilities raise significant concerns about freedom of information and the future of global connectivity. As more countries adopt restrictive policies, the dream of a free and open internet appears increasingly at risk.
Efforts to counter these trends, such as promoting secure VPNs and decentralized web technologies, may offer some hope. However, the road ahead remains challenging as governments continue to assert control over digital spaces.