Internet access via mobile devices could potentially be disrupted in southern regions of Russia.
In recent times, residents of Russia have been advised to prepare for possible communication disruptions, particularly in the realm of mobile internet services. This development comes as no surprise, given the escalating issues with mobile internet malfunctions reported in various Russian regions over several months.
The surge in mobile internet restrictions is primarily driven by security concerns, with ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks targeting strategic military and industrial sites in Russia since mid-2025 being a key factor. However, these restrictions also serve a broader purpose: to control information and suppress dissent.
The government's response has been multi-faceted. They have started to replace foreign apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram with Russian-made platforms such as VK, RuTube, and a government-controlled messenger app. New laws have been enacted that criminalize searching for "extremist content," ban VPN use to circumvent censorship, and impose heavy fines, further strengthening the legal basis for these restrictions.
The consequences of these restrictions are far-reaching. They severely disrupt daily life, especially as mobile internet is crucial for banking, taxi services, online shopping, and navigation. Prolonged blackouts force residents to travel long distances to access services, and economic losses are significant, with July 2025 alone seeing an estimated loss of nearly $290 million due to shutdowns.
Moreover, these restrictions create an isolated, surveilled internet environment that limits free expression and access to unbiased information, reinforcing government propaganda.
Digital rights groups urge Russian authorities to stop all throttling and shutdown measures to restore full, unrestricted internet access, which is fundamental for human rights and freedom of expression. Internet service providers are encouraged to resist government orders that degrade internet quality or impose censorship.
International advocacy and technical support for secure, censorship-resistant communication tools can help Russian citizens maintain access to independent information and communication. On a policy level, pressure from global organizations and governments is needed to highlight these violations and encourage Russia to respect digital freedoms.
Presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov noted that mobile internet restrictions are linked to ensuring citizens' safety. The Central Bank has reported that mobile internet restrictions in July have affected the market. Residents are advised to warn close ones about potential restrictions, use voice calls and SMS, have a cash reserve, keep offline maps and taxi service numbers, and connect to trusted Wi-Fi points.
It is also worth noting that mobile internet restrictions may increase in Sevastopol and Crimea, and the security requirements are in response to repeated terrorist attacks from Ukraine on southern Russia's regions. Furthermore, these restrictions have increased demand for cash.
In summary, Russia’s mobile internet restrictions are a mix of wartime security measures and systematic censorship aimed at controlling information flow within the country, with profound social, economic, and human rights consequences. Addressing these requires both internal resistance by ISPs and citizens, as well as external diplomatic and technical support for digital freedoms.
[1] Amnesty International. (2025). Russia: Mobile internet restrictions threaten human rights. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/08/russia-mobile-internet-restrictions-threaten-human-rights/
[2] The Guardian. (2025). Russia's mobile internet restrictions disrupt daily life. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/01/russias-mobile-internet-restrictions-disrupt-daily-life
[3] BBC News. (2025). Mobile internet blackouts in Russia cause economic losses. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59323707
[4] Human Rights Watch. (2025). Russia: Mobile Internet Restrictions Violate Digital Rights. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/27/russia-mobile-internet-restrictions-violate-digital-rights
[5] Reporters Without Borders. (2025). Russia: Mobile Internet Restrictions Threaten Freedom of Expression. [online] Available at: https://rsf.org/en/news/russia-mobile-internet-restrictions-threaten-freedom-expression
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