A major internet outage has hit Russia, causing disruptions to several online platforms and critical services. The incident, attributed to a problem on the main network of a telecom operator. A response to cable tampering in the Baltic Sea?
Last Monday, a massive outage disrupted internet access in Russia, affecting millions of users and blocking access to several essential services. According to the Russian telecommunications regulator, Roskomnadzorthe incident would be linked to a technical problem on the main network of a telecom operator. Although the outage was quickly resolved, its consequences highlight the fragilities of the Russian internet system.
Several popular platforms, such as Google, Yandex, VKontakte and Discord, were affected, as were banking services and mobile operators like MTS. The disruptions, which mainly affected Moscow, also impacted cable television and internet services. Although the authorities have ensured a gradual restoration of services, this outage raises many questions about the management and stability of the network. A response to the cable damaged by “mistake” by a Russian boat in the Baltic Sea?
The consequences of a nationwide outage
According to data collected by Downdetector, many users have reported difficulty accessing major platforms. Among them, Google and Yandex, essential search engines, as well as Rutube, VKontakte and Discord, very popular in Russia. Online banking and mobile operators have also been affected, disrupting the daily activities of millions of citizens.
The outages were particularly felt in Moscow, where services from MTS, the country’s main mobile operator, were most affected. Although complaints decreased in the evening, some users continued to report problems accessing essential services.
The reactions of the authorities
Roskomnadzor quickly communicated that the outage was due to “technical problems”. However, the regulator neither named the affected operator nor specified the exact causes of the incident. This lack of transparency has sparked criticism and speculation among users, who wonder about the true origin of these interruptions.
For its part, MTS refused to comment on the incident, further fueling uncertainty surrounding this massive outage. This reaction highlights a recurring problem: the lack of clear and rapid communication in the event of nationwide disruptions.
An internet context under control
Tests of the “sovereign internet”
This outage occurs in a context where Russia is increasing tests of its “sovereign internet” infrastructure. Last December, several Russian regions were disconnected from the global grid, as part of an exercise aimed at testing the resilience of the national system. These tests, organized by Roskomnadzor, disrupted access to foreign services such as Google, WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as local applications such as Yandex.
These initiatives, presented as a measure of digital sovereignty, however raise concerns. While they aim to guarantee continuity of service in the event of a cyberattack or disconnection from the global network, they also result in restrictions for users, accentuating the country’s digital isolation.
At the same time, Russia has adopted measures aimed at limiting access to certain foreign platforms. YouTube, for example, is subject to deliberate slowdowns due to Google’s non-compliance with Russian technology regulations. These measures have led to a significant drop in traffic on YouTube, which now represents only 20% of its usual level in the country.
Additionally, apps like Viber, Signal, and Discord have been blocked for alleged violations of local laws. These restrictions show to what extent control of the internet has become a strategic issue for the Kremlin.
Long-term impact on users
Russian users find themselves increasingly limited in their access to an open internet. This digital isolation impacts ordinary citizens, businesses and economic activities dependent on international online services (which are becoming increasingly rare). As some users seek ways to circumvent these restrictions through virtual private networks, the Kremlin has also stepped up efforts to restrict the use of VPNs.
A question of strategy and security
Experts question the possibility that some interruptions are linked to orchestrated cyberattacks, whether by foreign or local actors. Russia itself is a major player in cyberspace, often accused of being behind hacking campaigns against other nations. However, these activities also expose its own infrastructure to the risk of reprisals.
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