As part of its comprehensive cyber strategy, Russia is advancing the development of the so-called RuNet, a domestic internet network designed to function independently from the global internet infrastructure.
Can Russia disconnect from the global internet? That is what Roskomnadzor aims to test in December.
Censorship agency Roskomnadzor has labeled the upcoming exercise as a “routine” operation, which will be conducted exclusively in “certain regions,” according to reports from Kommersant.
The exercise aims to ensure the RuNet is fully prepared to effectively disable access to the global internet when needed.
“During the exercise, together with communications operators, the effectiveness of key replacement infrastructure will be determined,” emphasized the press service of Roskomnadzor in its communication to Kommersant.
The tests are designed to confirm RuNet’s capability to maintain the availability of essential services, both foreign and domestic, in the event of any deliberate external disruptions or influences, the censorship authority elucidated.
A leaked letter from the Central Bank to financial institutions surfaced on Telegram, requesting banks to remain vigilant but reassured them that there would be no impact on services during the test.
In a significant move, Russia’s parliament ratified a law in 2018 empowering the government to take command over internet infrastructure, allowing it to isolate the country’s internet in response to potential security threats.
In its recent activities, Roskomnadzor has blocked thousands of domain names and IP addresses that it perceives as detrimental to the regime’s tight grip on its citizens. Notably, the Barents Observer was barred from access in 2019, and since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, nearly all independent Russian-language news outlets have faced similar censorship measures.
How might other countries respond to Russia’s push for internet sovereignty through the RuNet initiative?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Petrova, Cybersecurity Expert and Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrova. As we understand, Russia is moving forward with plans for the RuNet, an independent internet infrastructure. Can you explain the significance of this initiative?
**Dr. Petrova:** Certainly! The RuNet represents a significant shift in how Russia intends to manage its information space. By creating this domestic network, the Kremlin aims to reduce dependency on global internet infrastructure, allowing for greater control over information flow within its borders. This move is inherently tied to national security concerns and the desire to monitor and potentially censor online content more effectively.
**Editor:** Interesting. There’s been mention of a planned test by Roskomnadzor in December. What can you tell us about what this test entails?
**Dr. Petrova:** The test is labeled a “routine operation,” but in reality, it’s quite a pivotal moment for the Russian government. Roskomnadzor aims to assess the feasibility of disconnecting from the global internet without losing functionality domestically. This would involve ensuring that Russian websites and services can operate independently, which is essential if they want to enforce internet sovereignty in practice.
**Editor:** Many people are wondering: how realistic is it for Russia to completely disconnect from the global internet?
**Dr. Petrova:** While it is technically possible to isolate a national internet infrastructure, the complete disconnection from the global internet would pose significant challenges. Major hurdles include the vast amount of international data traffic that flows through Russia and the reliance on foreign technology and services by many domestic companies. However, if they succeed in establishing a fully functional RuNet, it could potentially lead to a more controlled and censored online environment.
**Editor:** This sounds quite complex and fraught with implications. What might be the global reactions to Russia’s efforts to implement RuNet?
**Dr. Petrova:** The international response could vary widely. Some nations may express concerns over increased censorship, human rights implications, and the broader geopolitical impacts. Tech companies and organizations focused on internet freedom will likely condemn the move. Conversely, some states could see it as a model to follow, reinforcing the trend of digital nationalism.
**Editor:** what does this mean for the future of the internet as a global commons?
**Dr. Petrova:** The emergence of nations like Russia attempting to create isolated internet infrastructures could signal a worrying trend towards fragmentation of the internet. This could lead to a scenario where the internet becomes less of a global commons and more of a collection of national networks with varying degrees of openness and accessibility. The implications for communication, information flow, and global cooperation could be profound.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights on this critical issue. We’ll be keeping a close watch on developments in December.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic that deserves attention as we move forward in the digital age.
