Russia
Executive Summary
Russia has implemented extensive internet censorship through the "Sovereign Internet" law and various content restrictions. The government has broad powers to block websites, restrict access to foreign platforms, and monitor online communications with severe impacts on digital rights.
Key Legislation
Sovereign Internet Law (Law No. 90-FZ)
Allows the government to disconnect Russia from the global internet and create a national internet infrastructure with extensive monitoring and control capabilities.
Yarovaya Law (Law No. 374-FZ)
Requires telecommunications providers to store all communications data for 6 months and provide decryption keys to authorities upon request.
Censorship Practices
Website Blocking
- • Millions of websites blocked
- • Social media platform restrictions
- • News website closures
- • VPN and circumvention tool blocking
Content Control
- • "Extremist" content labeling
- • Foreign platform compliance demands
- • Local data storage requirements
- • Real-time content filtering
Digital Rights Impact
Severe Restrictions
Internet Isolation
The Sovereign Internet law enables complete disconnection from the global internet, creating a heavily censored national network.
Surveillance State
Extensive monitoring of all online communications with mandatory data retention and decryption requirements.