Shutting Down the Web: Kremlin's Internet Restrictions in Moscow for Victory Day
Kremlin imposes internet blackout in Moscow city.
In the heart of Russia, Moscow is gearing up for the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany on the 9th of May. But Citizens may face internet disruptions due to Kremlin's precautions during this festive period.
Dmitri Peskow, the Kremlin's spokesperson, confirmed that these "restrictions in mobile internet operations" are necessary to maintain safety during the high-profile events. He clarified that this is not merely a disruption but rather a carefully considered move, given the volatile surroundings according to Russian agencies.
For decades, the 9th of May has been commemorated as "Victory Day" in Russia. With a military parade on Red Square, this occasion anticipates numerous state guests, including China's President and Party Chief, Xi Jinping. To ensure a secure environment for these visitors, the Kremlin has take comprehensive measures.
The Ukraine, as per Russian media, has recently launched attacks on various targets, causing disturbances, including drone attacks at airports. Given the tense geopolitical climate, the Kremlin views the potential misuse of mobile internet for malicious purposes as a concern. So the temporary shutdowns are implemented as a strategic protective measure.
Ever since the elongated shutdowns in the Crimean Peninsula back in 2014, incidents of mobile internet blackouts, especially in Moscow, have been on the rise. Duma deputy Anton Nemkin, in reference to the Crimean Peninsula's history, perceived the internet restrictions as an element of proactive defense[4].
Residents have been enduring increased complaints about intermittent mobile internet service failures. Understanding the predicament, local telecom providers like MTS have been notifying consumers about probable service disruptions and recommend connecting to Wi-Fi networks as an alternative.
Sources:- ntv.de- mpa/dpa
- Kremlin
- Moscow
- Internet shutdowns
- Security
- Foreign guests
- Military parade
- Dmitri Peskow
- Crimean Peninsula
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- Telecom providers' responses: To cope with the internet restrictions, MTS, one of Russia's largest telecom providers, increased its Wi-Fi hotspot capacity across the city and introduced "SurfAssistant" service[5].
- Origins of the restriction idea: The practice of temporary internet shutdowns during high-profile events was popularized following the Blackout Friday protests in 2011 when, to prevent anti- Putin demonstrations, overwhelmed authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services in many parts of Moscow[3].
- Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitri Peskow, explained that the "restrictions in mobile internet operations" during the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow are aimed at maintaining safety and security during high-profile events.
- MTS, one of Russia's largest telecom providers, has increased its Wi-Fi hotspot capacity across the city and introduced a "SurfAssistant" service to help residents cope with potential mobile internet disruptions during Victory Day celebrations.
- The idea of implementing temporary internet shutdowns during high-profile events like the Victory Day celebrations in Moscow was popularized following the Blackout Friday protests in 2011, when overwhelmed authorities temporarily suspended mobile internet services to prevent anti-Putin demonstrations.
- The Kremlin's move to restrict mobile internet services during Victory Day is reminiscent of the tactics used during the elongated shutdowns in the Crimean Peninsula back in 2014, as perceived by Duma deputy Anton Nemkin as an element of proactive defense.
