Russia tests ‘sovereign’ internet amid fears of online isolation
Russia carried out tests Monday to ensure the “security” of its internet infrastructure in case of a foreign cyberattack as part of measures that rights activists worry could also tighten censorship and lead to online isolation.
A controversial law that allows the country to cut internet traffic from international servers came into force in November, but the communications ministry has denied that the government is gearing up to isolate the Russian segment of the internet and said ordinary users would not notice the tests.
The ministry said that the drills are aimed at ensuring the “integrity” of the internet.
“The results of the tests have shown that on the whole both authorities and service providers are ready to effectively react to emerging risks and threats and ensure the reliable work of both the internet and the single telecommunication network,” deputy communications minister Alexei Sokolov told reporters.
Apart from testing the safety of the Russian segment of the internet in case of an attack, authorities also tried to ensure the safety of mobile users and whether it was possible to intercept traffic and text messages, Sokolov said.
“The purpose of the task is to ensure the reliable operation of the internet in Russia in any conditions and under any circumstances,” he added, referring to the drills.
The law, which Putin signed in May, requires Russian internet providers to install equipment provided by the authorities to enable centralised control of data traffic.
They will also filter content to prevent access to banned websites.
At his annual news conference last week, Putin defended Russia’s internet policies, promising that the country was not “moving towards closing off the internet.”
“A free internet and a sovereign internet are two concepts that aren’t mutually exclusive,” he said.
The new system is set to go online in 2021.
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