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on the blacklist

Russia Blocked 5K Websites Per Week in 2022, NGO Says

Russia has blocked an average of 4,900 websites per week so far in 2022, according to an internet freedom NGO’s tally published by the Kommersant...

internet clampdown

Russia Has Blocked 138K Websites Since Ukraine Invasion, Prosecutor Says

The Kremlin has sought to strictly control the narrative of the war at home since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24.

policing the web

Russia Fines WhatsApp, Snapchat, Tinder for Data Law Violations

Russian law requires tech companies to store the data they hold on Russian users locally.

Darknet Marketplace Shutdown Upends Russia’s Illegal Drug Market

While there are new ways to help mitigate the harmful effects of drugs, Hydra's shutdown may have negative short-term impacts.

bearer of fake news

Russian Search Engines to Label Wikipedia as ‘War Fakes’ Spreader

Russian search engines will be required to inform Wikipedia users that the site spreads “fake news” about the invasion of Ukraine.

evading the system

U.S. Funds Software for Russians to Slip Past Censors

The U.S .-backed Open Technology Fund estimates 4 million users in Russia have received VPNs from firms Psiphon and nthLink.

internet clampdown

Proton VPN Says ‘Likely’ Blocked in Russia

Roskomnadzor confirmed that it was taking measures to thwart VPN services.

financial insolvency

Google Russia to File for Bankruptcy

The tech giant's Russian subsidiary was fined $113.5 million in December 2021 for failure to remove content banned in Russia.

domestic youtube

Cyberattack Knocks Out Russian Video Platform Rutube

The site has been offline since Monday morning, ahead of Russia's annual Victory Day parade on Red Square in Moscow.

thousand pinpricks

Hacker Attacks on Russia Gain Attention But Cause Little Damage

In retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine, hackers have hit Russia with DDoS attacks, data leaks and anti-war posts on state-owned websites.

Russia's Yandex Sells News and Blogging Products to VK

The sale of Yandex.News and Yandex.Zen comes as Yandex faces an increasingly uncertain future.

Turmoil at ‘Russia’s Google’ Amid Sanctions, War and Censorship

“I realized that we as a company are responsible for this. We are not victims, we are actors,” said one former Yandex employee.

internet issues

‘Failing Technology Museum’: Uncertainty for Russian Telecoms as Foreign Firms Flee

With foreign firms unable to carry out upgrades, Russia faces the risk of being stuck with outdated equipment.

Russia Accuses Google of 'Fake News,' Bans Ads

Russia has already limited access to Google News app and website and accused Google of being "anti-Russian."

Germany Closes Russian Darknet Marketplace Hydra

Some experts speculate that Hydra could soon return despite Germany's action.

moderation spat

YouTube Accused of 'Censorship' in Russia

Fears mount that the U.S. company maybe next in line for a ban in Russia.

reduced presence

Google Evacuates Russian Staff Amid Fears of Closure – Bloomberg

Google's heavy moderation of pro-Russian media amid the invasion of Ukraine reportedly prompted worries that Russia would ban YouTube.

Russia Accuses Google, YouTube of 'Terrorist' Activities

The comments mark the first step towards a possible access ban.

Apple Bows to Kremlin Demands For Local Office

Russia has demanded foreign tech companies open local representative offices or face hefty fines.

mandatory content

Russia to Require Netflix to Stream State Television Broadcasts

Russia has in recent months tightened restrictions on foreign internet giants’ operations within its borders.

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