In 2025, mobile internet in various regions of the Russian Federation was disconnected over 11,000 times, according to analysts and monitoring groups, including the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. They noted a high rate of outages across regions.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported that internet outages were recorded in 80 regions of the country, with 25 of them experiencing daily disconnections. Notably, outages occurred less frequently in the North Caucasus, which faces a higher risk of mass unrest, compared to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and their neighboring areas.
By the end of 2025, mobile internet outages in Russia had become a regular occurrence, justified by authorities citing security requirements. However, the main goal appears to be the gradual digital isolation of the country, as services on the Kremlin-approved and state-controlled “white list” remained accessible during these outages.
Experts from the Center for Countering Disinformation stressed that such measures limit the population’s access to independent information sources. The government is simultaneously tightening its control over messaging apps, online services, and even certain games, restricting use of platforms not under censorship or government influence.
The materials also highlighted preparations for a new phase of control over mobile communications, which would require mandatory registration of SIM cards in a state database. These initiatives aim to further enhance state control over the information landscape and diminish the impact of independent content on citizens.
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