Russia Internet Clampdown

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, center right, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, left, meet in the Kremlin, in Moscow, Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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Russia's internet crackdown leads to a spring of growing discontent

Russia's internet crackdown leads to a spring of growing discontent

Anger and frustration is growing in Russia over government restrictions on the internet that have disrupted daily life, hurt businesses and brought condemnation from both Kremlin critics and supporters alike. The intensifying crackdown has shut down regular cellphone internet connections, blocked popular messaging apps and throttled thousands of other websites and digital services. Activists have organized small rallies, filed lawsuits and plastered posters to voice rising discontent over the measures. Industry leaders have pleaded with the government to reconsider, saying the restrictions harm daily life and businesses. Russia aims to control the internet and block virtual private networks, pushing users to use government-controlled apps.