Source: Christian Science Monitor
by staff
“President Vladimir Putin signed a law June 24 that could spell the end of internet freedom in Russia. On the face of it, the law would simply push a new state-controlled app that Russians would need to use for all public services. But it may eventually lead to what Mr. Putin calls ‘a national messenger.’ That may then allow the government to ban all private internet communications, creating a digital iron curtain. As the war in Ukraine continues to go badly for Mr. Putin, he increasingly seeks to restrict independent news of the conflict, especially news of high troop losses. Last year, he throttled access to YouTube after already banning Facebook, Instagram, and X. With the new platform, he may soon block Russia’s leading messaging services, WhatsApp and Telegram.” (06/27/25)
https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2025/0627/A-digital-iron-curtain-in-Russia