Moscow's "Offline Party": A Temporary Internet Blackout for Safety Reasons
Moscow currently disconnected, explained by reasonable causes, according to Peskov
Get ready, Moscow residents, as your internet connection might be acting up over the weekend! According to recent reports from the Kremlin, the city is going offline starting Friday and extending till Saturday for a good reason.
Dmitri Peskow, the Kremlin spokesman, has clarified that this isn't some sort of disruption but rather a restriction in mobile internet usage. He mentioned that such measures were indispensable given the tricky neighborhood we live in. He went on to explain that we should see this as a necessary step to ensure our safety during these tumultuous times.
Echoing the same sentiments, Russian lawmaker Anton Nemkin spoke about a precautionary defense angle, connecting the current situation to the Crimean Peninsula incident in 2014. In the Crimea, mobile internet blackouts during Ukrainian army attacks have been an effective method and are still prevalent.
This temporary internet blackout coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, which Russia will be commemorating with a grand military parade on Red Square on May 9. A host of notable state guests, including Chinese President and Party leader Xi Jinping, are expected to grace the celebrations.
As for Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, he has ordered a three-day truce in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, marking the occasion. However, Kyiv dismissed this move as a mere performance aimed at impressing spectators.
References:
- ntv.de
- mpa/dpa
In recent times, Moscow has been seen clamping down on internet services during major state events. These measures are largely justifiable for security reasons, as the authorities seek to protect citizens and visitors from potential threats from disruptive drone attacks or other forms of sabotage.
Moscow isn't the only city that's been experiencing such temporary internet shutdowns. Cities like St. Petersburg, Tula, Saransk, and others have also been subject to these disruptions during later celebrations.
These restrictions primarily impact mobile internet and text messaging services, allowing traditional calls and home Wi-Fi connections to remain functional. However, the side-effects can be quite significant, causing disruptions in payment systems, public transport validation, and other digital services.
Despite the inconvenience caused, authorities and lawmakers have justified these forced measures as necessary steps to ensure public safety during high-profile events and state visits.
- The Kremlin's temporary internet blackout in Moscow aligns with the community policy of restricting mobile internet usage, a measure deemed essential in light of the city's challenging geopolitical context.
- The upcoming weekend's internet disruption bears similarities to the Crimea Peninsula incident in 2014, where mobile internet blackouts during military conflicts had proven effective in maintaining safety.
- The general-news domain must highlight Moscow's internet shutdown in the context of politics, especially considering its association with crime and justice.
- As Moscow experiences this internet disconnection during the 80th anniversary commemoration, pending employment policies should address potential challenges resulting from service shortcomings in payment systems, public transport, and digital services.
