Petitioners Challenge Internet Crackdown Near Kremlin
Near the Kremlin, several dozen individuals are lined up outside the presidential administration office. They have gathered to submit petitions urging President Vladimir Putin to halt the intensifying restrictions on internet access.
Russian authorities have been increasingly tightening their control over the country’s cyberspace. Access to international messaging applications has been limited, accompanied by widespread disruptions and even complete shutdowns of mobile internet services.
While petitioning the president remains legal, in an authoritarian context this act is seen as a bold move. The atmosphere reflects this tension.
Security officers stationed across the street are recording the petitioners as well as journalists present.
"Aren't you scared?" I ask Yulia in the queue.
"Very scared," she replies. "I'm shaking."
President Putin has acknowledged the internet disruptions, attributing them to "operational work to prevent terrorist attacks," but stated that he has instructed officials to ensure the "uninterrupted operation" of essential internet services.
Impact on Business and Daily Life
Yulia, a catering company owner, describes how the censorship efforts have negatively impacted her business.
"There were times recently when our website was not accessible. We couldn't generate revenue," she says.
"We are losing money every time there is a blocking of the internet, a blocking of [messengers] Telegram and WhatsApp. My business is entirely on the internet. Without internet access, in this form it will not exist."
Russian officials maintain that the communication restrictions serve public safety interests. They argue that mobile internet blackouts disrupt Ukrainian attack drones, although drone attacks have continued even in areas where internet services have been disabled.
The authorities accuse global messaging platforms of failing to comply with Russian data regulations. Access to WhatsApp and Telegram has been heavily restricted, and state regulators are targeting VPNs (virtual private networks) used to bypass these controls.
Promotion of State-Controlled Messaging and Digital Isolation
As part of the drive toward a "sovereign internet," the government is promoting a state-backed Russian messaging service called MAX.
"Many people think that this messenger is made especially by the government to check our messages," says former MP Boris Nadezhdin, who once attempted to run against Putin in a presidential election.
In many regions of Russia, the only websites and services accessible on mobile phones are those approved by the government. This digital environment resembles a new "Iron Curtain" being constructed.
"The idea is to divide Russia from the outside world," says columnist Andrei Kolesnikov from opposition outlet Novaya Gazeta, citing the belief that "this world is poisonous to the brains of Russians."
"Russia was always blocked, primarily from the West, which was the source of 'bad, revolutionary, liberal ideas'. It was always like this."
Despite this historical isolation, Russians embraced the digital age and the internet to such an extent that the current cyber restrictions and disruptions have come as a shock.
"It's less to do with freedom of speech and more about habit," explains activist Yulia Grekova.
"People have got used to paying for things and ordering taxis with their mobiles. They sit in the bus messaging friends. There are very few people who don't use mobile internet for work, public services and to keep in touch with family. That's why there's such an angry reaction. Everyone's affected."
Attempts to Organize Protests and Official Responses
I spoke with Yulia Grekova in the town of Vladimir, located 120 miles (190 km) from Moscow. She recently attempted to organize a rally against internet restrictions.
"We applied to the local authorities and suggested several options for a venue. They replied that this wasn't possible, since on the date we'd requested they would be cleaning the streets at all 11 of our proposed locations.
"City Hall offered an alternative venue and time. But later they said this wasn't possible either, due to the danger of [Ukrainian] drone attack."
Subsequently, Yulia received a visit from the police, who issued a warning against protesting.
"They came to where I work. A police car and three people. They filmed me signing the official warning from the prosecutor. I felt like some kind of terrorist."
Similar requests for public protests have been denied in numerous Russian towns and cities. In the Moscow region, authorities cited coronavirus concerns, while officials in Penza claimed a roller-skating masterclass at the requested location prevented a rally.
Internet Limitations in Vladimir
In central Vladimir, I checked my phone. The taxi booking app was operational, and state media sites were accessible. However, Google searches failed, and independent news websites did not load.
"It's much harder to communicate," says Maria, who was out walking with her baby. "We want to keep across the latest news and trends. Instead, we're lagging behind."
As our conversation continued, Maria appeared less interested in current information.
"In the past, when there was no internet, the world seemed a brighter place, because we knew less," she said.
Regarding Russia’s war on Ukraine, Maria shared:
"I try to avoid this kind of news. I don't want to fill my head with it. We're tired of news about people being killed."
Denis commented on daily challenges caused by the restrictions.
"[Internet restrictions] create daily problems," he said. "Today I couldn't pay for petrol. And my satnav is glitching."
Alexander noted the frustration among small business owners.
"People are annoyed," he said. "Especially those with small businesses. They lose customers when they can't access the internet."
"It feels like we're going backwards," said Yulia Grekova, "sliding back to the past."
Official Justifications and Public Discontent
Is Russia’s internet crackdown a step backward? Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed this question in Moscow.
"In the current situation, security considerations dictate the need for certain measures," Peskov said. "These are being taken and most of our citizens understand the need for them.
"It's clear that internet restrictions inconvenience many people. But this is the period we're in. Once the need for such measures disappears, services will be fully restored and return to normal."
Despite these assurances, restrictions and repression appear to be becoming the new normal.
"I don't think that this regime is ready to go back," concluded journalist Andrei Kolesnikov. "They can only go forward in terms of more repressions.
"What is bad for the authorities is an accumulation of discontent and it could play out in the future. We don't know in what shape. But it's evident that irritation and discontent are accumulating."
Recently, Russian celebrity blogger Victoria Bonya posted an "address to Russia's president" on Instagram, criticizing the internet crackdown and other controversies. The video went viral with tens of millions of views. While she did not directly blame Putin, she declared:
"There is a huge, thick wall between you and us, the ordinary people."
On Thursday, President Putin stated he could not ignore the problems Russians face due to internet disruptions. He instructed law enforcement to demonstrate "ingenuity and professionalism" and to "accommodate the vital interests of citizens."
This was not a reversal of policy, nor did it signal an end to the restrictions.
Recent surveys indicate Putin’s approval ratings have dropped to their lowest since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Public unease is not limited to internet restrictions; concerns about the economy and war fatigue are also growing.
"People begin to understand there is a direct connection between their everyday problems, like healthcare, food prices, problems with internet, and the politics of Vladimir Putin," Boris Nadezhdin told me.
"And this is a new situation in Russia."
Adapting Amid Uncertainty
Having submitted her petition, Yulia returned to her catering business, baking bread. She has taken a stand but remains uncertain about its impact. She is already considering how to adapt to the online restrictions, noting that Russians have experience adjusting to major changes.
"My great-grandfather was wealthier than average. In a Soviet village that was considered a sin. His property was taken away from him and he was moved to Siberia. But his family adapted.
"My parents went through the collapse of the Soviet Union: they adapted to a market economy. Now it's my turn to adapt. Then it will be my daughter's turn."
Regarding the future, Yulia explained:
"The future is not even mentioned in day-to-day conversations with friends and relatives. It's like: what are we doing in three days, in a week, in a month?"
Like the bread rising in her oven, a deep sense of uncertainty is growing across Russia.
