Import Ban on Communication Equipment
Russia’s government has decided to prohibit the import of devices that receive or transmit signals from foreign communications satellites, including Starlink terminals. This ban comes amid a broader tightening of internet controls in the country, which has sparked public outrage and led to widespread protests.
Mobile Internet Shutdowns
Starting in May 2025, Russian authorities began disconnecting mobile internet services, affecting more than 60 regions nationwide. Officials also declared that Telegram is effectively 'dead,' signaling a further escalation of censorship. Cities have seen protests against the internet blackouts, with participants being detained. Growing frustration over the mass mobile internet outages is now spreading among political and business elites.
To counter the use of VPN services, Russian schools have introduced special lessons where students are warned about the dangers and potential consequences of using such tools. These sessions are led not only by teachers but also by police and prison service representatives. For the first time, Vladimir Putin publicly addressed the widespread internet disruptions, stating that
“the measures are justified for security reasons”and that communication restrictions are being used to prevent terrorist attacks.
The Russian government noted:
“It is prohibited to import into the Russian Federation electronic devices intended for transmitting and/or receiving radio waves from foreign space communication objects (communications satellites, including dual-use ones), according to the list in the appendix, if they lack a decision from the State Commission on Radio Frequencies to allocate radio frequency bands.”These actions highlight a continued tightening of control over information flows within the country.
These developments reflect growing tensions in Russia’s information security landscape, as the government seeks to limit citizens’ access to foreign information resources and technologies. As censorship and internet controls intensify, public discontent may fuel further waves of protest, with people losing the ability to access unbiased information and express their views freely. These events also mirror global trends in information control seen in several countries around the world.
The ongoing disruptions in mobile internet services have not only incited public outrage but also led to significant financial repercussions for businesses across the country. As protests against these blackouts intensify, the economic implications are becoming increasingly evident. To further understand the impact of these widespread outages and the growing dissent among the populace, read more about the recent protests and financial losses in Russia.