Russian authorities are preparing for the possible disconnection of the country from the global network, said the head of the Ministry of Digital Development Nikolai Nikiforov. According to him, the Russian authorities do not intend to isolate the RuNet, but they are exploring the possibility of disconnecting the country from the global internet in case of emergencies.
The minister explained that recently the Russian Federation has been facing a one-sided language of sanctions. For instance, Nikiforov mentioned the West's desire to disconnect Russian citizens' bank cards and threats to disconnect the country from SWIFT - the international interbank information transfer and payment system.
The official also noted that the ministry is working on scenarios where partners decide to disconnect Russia from the internet. According to him, a contingency plan is currently being developed. Due to this, joint exercises involving the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Defense, and the FSB have been conducted, reports IVONA.
Nikiforov emphasized that "Russia is trying to ensure that nothing, under any circumstances, is disconnected, regardless of how our partners behave." He added that the complexity of the situation lies in the fact that "a number of infrastructure components are located outside the Russian Federation" and are managed externally.
According to the Minister of Communications, implementing the plan of possible activities will require a series of technical processes, but it will not require significant financial expenditures.
Previously, information appeared that in emergency situations, the Russian authorities will isolate the national segment of the internet from the rest of the world to strengthen the sovereignty of the state. This refers to military actions or protest activities within the country, as some Russian media reported citing sources in internet companies, Russian communication operators, NGOs, and special services. It was reported that the decision would be made at a Security Council meeting of the Russian Federation with the participation of Vladimir Putin on September 22.