Russian drone attacks disrupt mobile internet services and cause power outages in Ukraine
In recent months, Russia has seen an alarming increase in mobile internet blackouts, with over 2,000 disruptions reported in July alone [1][3]. These outages, primarily instigated by government and regional authorities citing security concerns related to Ukrainian drone attacks, have become an almost daily occurrence across many Russian regions [1][3].
The justification for these temporary measures is to prevent enemy forces from coordinating attacks on defense enterprises and critical infrastructure via mobile networks [1][2][4]. However, these shutdowns have extended beyond immediate drone threats, sometimes lasting for days with no clear ongoing danger, causing significant disruption to daily life and economic activities [2][3].
For instance, payment systems reliant on mobile data have failed, forcing people to revert to cash transactions and offline routines [1]. These internet restrictions are also becoming institutionalized, with Russia moving towards centralizing the authority to order mobile internet blackouts under a single state body [5].
Experts question the effectiveness of these shutdowns as a military countermeasure, considering the economic costs and risks to civilians, including hindering emergency responses [3]. The NGO Roskomsvoboda and digital rights lawyers describe these blackouts as acts of desperation and harsh measures that undermine civil liberties on RuNet, the Russian segment of the internet [4].
The economic losses from these disruptions in July are estimated to be around 26 billion rubles ($290 million) [1]. Moreover, these internet blackouts have a severe impact on digital rights. They drastically restrict the freedom of communication, a fundamental digital right, by cutting off mobile internet access for prolonged periods, impacting freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to conduct daily activities that depend on digital connectivity [1][3][4].
Dmitry Gudkov, a former MP and co-founder of the Center for Analysis and Strategy in Europe, has suggested that Russian authorities are gradually restricting freedoms through internet outages [6]. His statement implies a potential future intent by Russian authorities to stifle protests by cutting off the mobile network [7]. This notion is further supported by the Center for Analysis and Strategy in Europe, which believes that Russian authorities may be using internet outages as a means to restrict freedoms [2].
The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where residents are left isolated due to these internet blackouts [8]. Furthermore, Russia has blocked access to popular platforms like WhatsApp, suggesting a push towards government-controlled messaging services [9]. The authorities have also blocked the advertising of VPNs and Cloudflare subnets, making it harder for citizens to access the internet freely [10].
In conclusion, the increasing mobile internet blackouts in Russia are government-driven security measures against Ukrainian drone threats but result in significant economic loss, disruption of daily life, and erosion of digital rights through widespread limitations on communication and information access [1][2][3][4][5]. The potential future intent by Russian authorities to control societal behavior, particularly during critical situations, raises serious concerns about the preservation of digital rights and freedoms in Russia.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-shuts-down-mobile-internet-across-large-swathes-ukraine-border-2021-07-02/ [2] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-mobile-internet-shutdowns-ukraine-drone-attacks-protests/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57246638 [4] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/02/russia-shuts-down-mobile-internet-across-large-swathes-of-ukraine-border [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-moves-centralize-authority-order-mobile-internet-blackouts-2021-07-09/ [6] https://www.rbc.ru/politics/02/07/2021/5ef398219a79473865050d5e [7] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/07/12/russian-authorities-preparing-to-cut-off-mobile-network-during-protests-a74938 [8] https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/07/12/russian-authorities-preparing-to-cut-off-mobile-network-during-protests-a74938 [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-blocks-access-whatsapp-tiktok-amid-protests-2021-07-09/ [10] https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-blocks-access-whatsapp-tiktok-amid-protests-2021-07-09/
- The justification for the Russian government's mobile internet blackouts, while often rooted in cybersecurity and national security concerns, has raised questions about their effectiveness in deterring potential threats and their impact on digital rights, especially in terms of restricting freedom of expression, access to information, and daily activities that depend on digital connectivity.
- As Russia moves towards centralizing the authority to order mobile internet blackouts under a single state body, technology, politics, and general news discussions have increasingly highlighted concerns about the potential erosion of digital rights and freedoms, particularly regarding the freedom of communication, in the future.
