By restricting access to more secure Western social platforms, the Kremlin is trying to create an atmosphere of fear among those who might become its critics. This was reported by the British Ministry of Defense, citing intelligence data, UNN reports .
Details
According to British intelligence, the Russian authorities have begun to slow down traffic on the WhatsApp messenger. Officially, this is explained by the need to limit the ability of extremist groups to communicate. However, the real goal is likely to limit the communication of the opposition and anti-war activists.
In addition, on July 12, Russian media reported that the Russian government deliberately slowed down YouTube traffic. It is expected that the Kremlin may completely block access to this platform in September 2024. YouTube has been actively used by the opposition, including the late Alexei Navalny, to criticize the Russian government and spread alternative views.
British intelligence emphasized that these measures are part of a general trend of increasing state control over the media and information in Russia. The purpose of such actions is to limit the population's access to independent sources of information and to ensure that the Russian population has access only to media that comply with government ideology.
These restrictions on access to social media platforms are likely intended to ensure that the Russian population can only access media that conforms to government-controlled ideology. By restricting safer means of private communication, government surveillance of potential dissidents will be made easier and create a climate of fear among those who might criticize the regime,