Russia tightens control of the internet ^{CEFR B2}

In early April 2026 the Russian government intensified measures to control the national internet. Authorities widened mobile internet shutdowns, introduced restrictions on VPNs, tested "white lists" for mobile and home connections, and blocked the messenger Telegram. The action came after a major Moscow mobile blackout from March 6–24 that independent media said damaged large parts of the digitally based service sector, including the metro, grocery stores and public toilets.

Reports by independent outlets said operators were given a map by the Scientific and Technical Service of the Federal Security Service marking where the internet should be switched off, and a government official described the shutdowns as "handed down from above." After Telegram was blocked, Pavel Durov said nearly 65 million people in Russia still use the service daily, and the communications regulator moved to block VPN traffic. About half of Russia’s internet services reportedly stopped working, affecting banking apps and state services; companies were told to detect VPN users, report circumvention tools and check devices beyond Android and iOS.

Observers link these measures to recent developments in AI-enabled warfare. Since February 28 the United States reportedly launched more than 11,000 strikes, many identified by project Marvin AI. Maven Smart Systems, a Palantir project, has used machine learning and, since 2025, large language models such as Anthropic’s Claude to analyse images, satellite data and geolocation. Experts warned that rapid AI use in targeting implies little human oversight and that models may be only 25–50 percent reliable.

Analysts say the combined effect is a shift from passive censorship to active enforcement, requiring apps to collect and forward user data. At the same time Russian leaders discuss developing LLMs and applying AI in defence, and investigators have shown tools such as NtechLab’s FindFace were used abroad to counter protests. The result is a gradual move toward a more controlled, Russia-centred internet.