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opinion Andrei Soldatov

Why the Kremlin Blocking TOR Is a Big Deal

The encryption software allows users to access websites and pages blocked by the authorities, but TOR has been political since its inception in the 1960s...

Russia Opens First ‘Foreign Agents’ Cases Against Individuals

Critics fear lawsuits against individuals labeled “foreign agents” represent a new stage in Russia’s crackdown on independent voices.

Russia Makes Covering Military Corruption News Grounds for ‘Foreign Agent’ Status

A new list sets out information that could be used to threaten state security.

FOREIGN AGENT CRACKDOWN

Russian Editor of Investigative Outlet Charged With Illegal Border Crossing

Russian authorities have added The Insider editor Roman Dobrokhotov to the country's wanted list.

Russia Threatens YouTube Block Over RT German Spat

YouTube deleted RT’s DE and DFP channels for repeatedly breaching its coronavirus misinformation policy, sparking uproar from Moscow.

Free Speech a ‘Core Value,’ YouTube CEO Says After Blocking Russian Opposition Videos

YouTube had taken down jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny’s voting strategy videos ahead of Russia's parliamentary elections.

Telegram Messenger Blocks Navalny Bot During Russian Election

The decision further restricts access to Alexei Navalny's Smart Voting system, following Apple and Google takedowns of his app.

TECH GIANTS SUCCUMB

Apple, Google Delete Navalny App on Day of Russian Parliamentary Vote

The app contained tactical voting recommendations for challengers to pro-Putin incumbents from the ruling United Russia party.

Russia Blocks VPN Providers in Ongoing Internet Crackdown

Russia said the blocked VPNs had allowed Russians to access illegal content.

Media crackdown

Russia Blocks Independent News Outlet’s Website

Online outlet Readovka had published an investigation into an MP’s alleged hidden wealth.

Criminal comedy

Russia Expels Belarusian Comedian for Life for ‘Insulting’ Joke

Authorities ruled Idrak Mirzalizade's joke about discrimination of non-Slavic people was offensive to ethnic Russians.

INFORMATION SPACE

Russia Wants to Exempt State Media From ‘Foreign Agent’ Scrutiny

A draft bill requires only commercial, and not state media, to be subjected to financial audits.

Russia Gives Google 24 Hour Ultimatum to Remove Banned Content

Communications watchdog says it will slow down Google’s services in Russia if the company does not comply.

WEEKEND PROFILE

This Russian Teacher and Feminist Activist Is a ‘Foreign Media Agent’

“I look in the mirror and see a tired, aging legal entity.”

‘ONLY THE BEGINNING’

Is Russia’s Twitter Clampdown a Harbinger of Wider Restrictions?

Activists fear Chinese-style censorship of foreign social networks could be on the horizon.

self-censorship

Gay Sex Scene Cut From Tucci, Firth Drama in Russia – Reports

“Supernova’s” Russian distributor reportedly went to the cutting board out of fear that movie theaters would refuse to release it.

opinion Andrei Soldatov

Russia’s Pursuit of Internet Sovereignty Backfires, Again

A Kremlin attempt to slow Twitter caused government websites to crash and raised new questions about its ambitious plans to regulate the internet.

'unjustified' restrictions

Russia Threatens to Block YouTube for ‘Censoring’ State Media

The move comes after Facebook, Twitter and YouTube began labeling state-affiliated media accounts.

Forbes Russia Editor Resigns Over Deleted Article

Forbes reported that the daughter of a state corporation received student financial aid despite not qualifying for it.

stifled dissent

Russia's Crackdown on Free Expression in 5 Cases

Russia has grown increasingly intolerant of voices that challenge the conservative values championed by the Kremlin.

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