The science of Russian Internet censorship and surveillance
In August 2024, Russian Internet users faced disruptions and throttled services like YouTube, attributed to alleged DDoS attacks, while protests against censorship and concerns for online freedom grew.
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In August 2024, Russian Internet users experienced significant disruptions, including throttled YouTube playback speeds and outages affecting popular services like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Discord. This crackdown on digital communication is part of a broader strategy by the Russian government to control online discourse, a tactic that has been increasingly prevalent under President Putin. Experts, including Sarkis Darbinyan from RKS Global and Philipp Dietrich from the German Council on Foreign Relations, discussed the technical aspects of this censorship, including the use of the SORM surveillance system by the FSB. The Kremlin has attributed these disruptions to alleged DDoS attacks, a claim met with skepticism by activists who suspect government interference. As the state intensifies its control over the Internet, many Russians are canceling their Internet contracts and organizing protests against the censorship measures. The situation highlights the challenges faced by digital rights advocates in Russia and raises concerns about the future of online freedom in the country.
- Russian Internet users are facing significant service disruptions and throttling of platforms like YouTube.
- The Kremlin blames DDoS attacks for these issues, but activists suspect government interference.
- The FSB's SORM system plays a key role in the state's surveillance efforts.
- Many Russians are protesting against the increasing censorship and are canceling their Internet contracts.
- Digital rights advocates are concerned about the implications for online freedom in Russia.
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2 commentsI'm less worried about surveillance than who these unaccountable, clearly not the government meddlers are.
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