Russia restricts online access, increasing danger

Russia is intensifying internet censorship, making online access difficult and potentially dangerous for citizens. Authorities are blocking independent news sites and platforms like YouTube, while also restricting VPNs and implementing laws that punish users for searching illicit content. This is part of a long-term effort to gain full control over the internet. These measures follow a history of tightening controls since 2011-12 protests and escalated after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, aiming to isolate the Russian internet.