British intelligence assesses how Russia aims to tighten state control over Internet platforms

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defence.

It is noted that the day before, the Russian government initiated additional restrictions on the use of digital telecommunications in the country. Thus, the Kremlin began to slow down traffic on the encrypted messaging app WhatsApp.

"The public explanation is to limit the ability of extremist groups to communicate. Under Russian government definitions this likely also includes constraining the ability of opposition activists and those opposed to the war in Ukraine to organise and communicate," the report said.

There are also reports circulating online that the Russian authorities are seeking to block YouTube altogether in September 2024. The platform is relatively popular in Russia and has been used by opposition activists, most notably Alexei Navalny, to spread criticism of the Russian government.

As with the recent shutdown of independent media organisations and restrictions on other safe means of communication, these measures accelerate a long-term trend of increasing state control over access to media and information in Russia.
ʼ
According to the intelligence community, these restrictions on social media platforms are likely aimed at ensuring that the Russian population has access to media that is consistent with the narratives disseminated by Russia.

"By restricting more secure means of private communication, government surveillance of potential dissenters will be easier, and will create a climate of fear and self-censorship among those who might be critical of the regime," the intelligence service said.

• In Russia, on July 12, telecommunications company Rostelecom warned that technical problems with Google's equipment could slow down YouTube.