By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Recent actions by the Russian government indicate a significant crackdown on internet freedom. The supervisory authority Roskomnadzor blocked 56,000 websites for refusing to remove content deemed “extremist.” Simultaneously, a controversial new law criminalizes the search for such content, sparking criticism and protests. The law, passed by the State Duma, targets those seeking content critical of the Kremlin and aims to further restrict internet access, which has been increasing since the invasion of Ukraine.
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Russia is increasingly restricting the free internet: More than 50,000 websites blocked, and it’s hard not to notice the implications of this digital crackdown. The sheer scale, with over 50,000 websites now inaccessible, is a stark reminder of the direction things are heading. It’s a situation that seems to be morphing, and the impact is far-reaching. The first thoughts that come to mind are about the basic freedom of access to information and the ability to express oneself without fear of censorship.
The discussions surrounding this topic often bring up the comparison to countries like North Korea, which already have a highly controlled internet. The worry is that Russia might be following a similar path. The blocking of websites, in this case, isn’t just a technicality; it directly impacts what people can see, read, and share online. It’s about who controls the narrative, and, essentially, it affects free speech. One might imagine the next steps include more stringent controls, perhaps even a single, government-approved starting page for every browser.
There’s a very real fear that the internet could become a tool for government control, a place where dissenting voices are silenced. It’s almost as if the internet is now becoming a mirror of the offline world, with the same limitations and potential for censorship.
However, it is not only Russia that is blocking websites. Many western countries have some kind of restrictions, usually for illegal content. Some have age checks, and some governments even have been accused of censoring social media. It’s a nuanced issue, a comparison that often arises is that of the West. Many people are critical of the US, but the question remains: is this trend a global phenomenon? The digital landscape is changing for everyone.
Many in the cybersecurity field would tell you that a significant portion of the blocked sites are likely malicious or designed for phishing. However, even if a portion are harmful, the sheer volume of blocked websites does raise serious questions. There are concerns about what this means for freedom of expression. People who work in cyber security may have a very different perspective.
For gamers, the restrictions mean it is harder to join the online gaming servers, to use a VPN or different methods to hide your identity. They have to consider the potential impacts of this, as well. Gamers have complained about issues with Russians. Some gamers have even gone as far as saying “can we ban them from counter strike”? It’s understandable, but it’s hard to see how that will help, as it will only make things worse.
Many people are also discussing the role of Steam and its presence within the Russian economy. Some sources have mentioned that steam collects money that does not go to taxes and becomes “war money”, however, there are no official sources to confirm these claims. Some players believe that the presence of steam in Russia is, ultimately, more beneficial, as it helps preserve more neutral connections.
Ultimately, what’s happening in Russia regarding the internet is a clear illustration of how governments can control information, and as history has proven, it could result in some unintended consequences. It may become difficult to have discussions or share opinions. The question is: How much freedom of speech are we willing to give up? The reality is: very little.