Russia
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Privacy Pulse
Notable privacy and internet-freedom events from the past four years, most recent first. Tap any entry for more.
Mobile Internet Sporadic Shutdowns
Russian authorities sporadically shut down mobile connectivity citing security concerns, expanding the practice from regional disruptions to broader controls.
Signal Messenger Blocked
Russia blocked the Signal end-to-end encrypted messaging app after the platform refused to cooperate with state requests, accelerating users' shift to circumvention tools.
Apple Pulls VPN Apps From Russian App Store
Apple removed popular VPN apps including Proton VPN, NordVPN and Red Shield from its Russian App Store at Roskomnadzor's demand, after the regulator said it had already blocked 167 VPN services; roughly 60 apps were pulled over the course of 2024.
Russia Throttles YouTube to Punish Google
Russian authorities slowed YouTube to near-unusable speeds following Roskomnadzor pressure, which a senior lawmaker described as deliberate punishment of Google rather than a technical fault.
Russia Bans VPN 'Promotion'
A Roskomnadzor rule took effect banning the promotion of VPN services in Russia - tutorials, reviews, recommendations and advertising for tools to bypass state-blocked websites - enforced through site blocking and fines rather than criminal charges.
Russia Bans LGBT 'Movement' as Extremist
The Russian Supreme Court designated the 'international LGBT movement' as extremist, criminalizing online expression, symbols, and organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.
Evan Gershkovich Detained in Russia
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Yekaterinburg on espionage charges, the first American journalist detained on such charges in Russia since the Cold War; he was released in a prisoner swap in August 2024.
Russia Expands 'Foreign Agent' Law
Russia dramatically expanded its foreign agents law, allowing any individual or organization deemed to be 'under foreign influence' to be labeled a foreign agent, chilling independent journalism and activism.
Russia Criminalizes 'Fake News' About the Military
The Duma passed a law imposing up to 15 years in prison for spreading 'false information' about the Russian armed forces, leading to the closure or exile of most independent Russian media.
Russia Blocks Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Following the invasion of Ukraine, Roskomnadzor blocked Facebook and Instagram, and a Moscow court designated Meta as an 'extremist organization,' drastically restricting Russians' access to Western social media.
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