The Russian authorities, under the guise of security concerns, continue to tighten restrictions on citizens’ access to the internet. This is reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (CCD), according to UNN.
Details
It is noted that in July 2026, only one-third of mobile internet sessions in Russia took place without restrictions. At the same time, the situation differs significantly depending on the region.
The fewest restrictions were recorded in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast. By contrast, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding regions, more than half of internet sessions took place with restrictions. In these regions, the authorities are increasingly introducing restrictions, seeking to minimize the risks of undesirable information spreading and possible public discontent
It is indicated that, at the same time, the Russian authorities are increasingly introducing internet access based on so-called white lists, under which users have access only to resources approved by the Kremlin, including propaganda media outlets.
In addition, the Russian authorities are systematically blocking foreign messaging apps, including Telegram and WhatsApp, as well as VPN services, seeking to deprive citizens of access to alternative sources of information
They add that the Kremlin is deliberately moving toward the full-scale launch of the so-called sovereign internet—an isolated network whose key elements are completely controlled by the state.
To remind you
In Russia, the course toward tightening control over the information space continues. The latest step was the introduction of recommendations on using state security certificates to access Russian websites.
A large-scale internet outage has occurred in Russia06.08.26, 13:42