Russia rolls out its 'sovereign internet.' Is it building a digital Iron Curtain?
On Friday, a
controversial new law took effect in Russia: The so-called "sovereign
internet" law, which mandates the creation of an independent internet for
Russia. In effect, Moscow has
given itself the power to erect a sort of digital Iron Curtain around its
networks. But will it force the change from a freewheeling internet to a purely
Russian one?
That's what tech
companies and Russian internet users alike will be watching as the law takes
effect. Here's what the
measure entails: Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed
into law new rules that would enable the creation of a national network that
can operate independently from the rest of the world. Among other things, the
law allows Roskomnadzor, Russia's telecoms agency, to shut the country off from
external traffic exchange, creating a purely Russian web.
The government has
said the regulations are part of an effort to protect Russia by creating the
ability to sustain a fenced-off national network, in the event that a foreign
power interferes with Russian cyberspace. The official newspaper Rossiiskaya
Gazeta said the law coming into force should not affect internet users, but it
"will ensure the availability of communication services in Russia in case
of threats." That's clear in
theory, but just how the new measures will be applied remains ambiguous.
Critics have warned that this could make it easier for the Russian government
to censor, reroute or switch off internet traffic to block access to
politically sensitive content....
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/01/tech/russia-internet-law/index.html