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In recent tests, millions of Russians have faced connectivity disruptions as the country assesses the functionality of Runet, its sovereign internet system designed to operate without relying on the global grid.
Russia’s Internet shutdown is no longer just a plan on paper; it’s a reality being tested. The country recently conducted a series of exercises to assess the ability of its “sovereign Internet,” called Runet, to operate independently of the global web. The move raises important questions: Is the world headed for a new digital fragmentation? And what does this mean for online freedom?
Since 2019, Russia has been paving the way to create an environment Closed digital. The approval of the “sovereign Internet” law was a milestone in this direction. Under the pretext of protecting the country against possible foreign blockades, the government developed an ambitious and controversial plan. Let’s understand how it works and what is at stake.
What is Runet and how does it work?
Runet is Russia’s attempt to create an isolated version of the Internet, allowing the country to operate independently in the event of a global shutdown. This includes creating its own Domain Name System (DNS) that can support internal traffic without relying on foreign servers.
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The 2019 law was the first concrete step in this process. It required telecommunications providers to install equipment that allows the government to control and filter data traffic. With this, the state can not only block content, but also divert traffic to alternative systems.
How does internet disconnection work in practice?
Tests conducted in December showed the direct impact of this strategy. Regions such as Dagestan, Chechnya and Ingushetia faced temporary blocks on popular services such as WhatsApp, YouTube and even Yandex, the “Russian Google”.
During these exercises, Russia assessed its ability to replace foreign infrastructure. The results? Despite some glitches, connectivity was restored within hours, showing that Runet is already more than just an idea – it is a working network.
Technical and social implications
But how do you create a completely independent system? That is the challenge. The Internet is a global network with infrastructure spread across several countries. Replicating this locally requires enormous financial and technological resources.
For Russian citizens, the impact would be even greater. Disconnection would mean losing access to global services like Google and VPNs, as well as increasing government control over the information available.
The new era of digital censorship
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s internet regulator, plays a central role in this plan. By installing equipment at data exchange points, the government can filter out content deemed “prohibited” and block international services in a matter of minutes.
This turns the Internet shutdown into a powerful censorship weapon. For many experts, Runet is not just a security measure, but also a mechanism to silence dissenting voices.
The Russia is leading a movement that could change the future of the Internet as we know it. If other countries follow this path, the global network could turn into a patchwork of isolated systems, each controlled by its own government.
With Russophobia fueled by the West since WWII… They demonized the RUSSIANS so much… and created fictitious Ghosts… in the Heads of the PEOPLE. I liked the Content and I Approve the means of Protecting Yourselves… against Evil, Deceitful Countries etc. 😁😸
Completely wrong! Praises and supports a regime worse than Hitler's Nazi regime!
Russetes love control of information and the circulation of ideas!!!
Man, that sucks! Imagine living in a place where you can't watch a movie or series on Netflix or another streaming platform, or play an online game with your friend from another country, like LOL, Tibia, Dota, CS. You'll be forced to consume content only from your own country.
Relax, cursing won't solve anything! You still haven't realized that you are managed by a single controller who invades your privacy and doesn't tell you, who accepts the rules of dictators, sells your data and calls itself a "democratic" company.
This is the result they hope for; you are eager to end the distractions imposed by the Google empire, which is entering your home in a gentler way. For others, football, sexuality, carnival, religions, soap operas, series, games, low-vibration music... Going inside, no way, right?
You are sad, bro!
Surgical!! But necessary.
I wouldn't die because of it.
In fact, you have access to the entire international network, but if there is misinformation, fake news, hate speech, attacks on lives, children and adolescents, etc., the government can block these networks!
I found it excellent!
Go there then. Make the L
I hope President Lula installs a similar system here. Let our Brazilian elites, imbeciles, unnecessary, parasites be angry like this... no credcard can pay for it.
Even if **** wanted to, he wouldn't be able to do it. The amount of resources and manpower needed to isolate the Brazilian internet, if he started today, he still wouldn't have finished it by 2100. Look at the example of the transposition of the São Francisco River.
For those who like censorship…
Crazy thing Nooooo!!!
Nothing that a Starlink can't solve.
This will be like selling drugs, it is prohibited but can be found anywhere.
**** detected!!