According to a report, Russian authorities have begun slowing down the data traffic of the encrypted messaging app WhatsApp. It is publicly explained that this is aimed at limiting the opportunities of extremist groups to communicate. As defined by the institutions, this likely includes limiting the ability of opposition activists and opponents of the war in Ukraine to organize and communicate.
July 12 Russian independent media reported that the YouTube outage was caused by the Russian government deliberately slowing down data traffic. The Kremlin is reportedly set to block YouTube entirely in September.
In Russia, YouTube is a relatively popular information channel and has been used by opposition activists, including Alexei Navalny, who died in prison for his criticism of the Russian authorities.
Along with a recent ban on independent media and other restrictions on secure communications, the measures accelerate a long-term trend of the state increasingly controlling access to media and information in Russia, according to British intelligence.
“These restrictions on access to social media platforms are likely intended to ensure that the Russian population can only access media that conforms to government-controlled ideology.” Restricting more secure means of private communication will make it easier for the government to monitor potential dissidents and create an atmosphere of fear among those who might criticize the regime,” Britain’s Ministry of Defense said, citing intelligence.
According to a poll conducted by the Levada Center, the vast majority of Russians (75%) support a war with Ukraine. Most respondents (71%) would approve of Vladimir Putin’s decision if he decided to end the war with Ukraine “this week”. However, if V. Putin decided to end the war on the condition that the captured territories be returned, then only 30 percent would support his decision. Russian
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2024-07-20 05:50:03
