Internet Shutdowns

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet

  The Unified State System for Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations (RSES) sent an SMS notification to Russian mobile users on 5 May, warning of mobile Internet restrictions from 5 to 9 May to "ensure security in connection with the preparation and celebration of the Victory Day parade” in Moscow.

  Russia

  • Start 5 May 2025 9:00 a.m.
  • End 9 May 2025 4:00 a.m.
  • Total Duration 3 days, 19 hours

February 2022

• Ongoing

  Service blocking

  Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, News Sites

  On 26 February 2022, the Russian government began issuing orders to block social media sites and news media sites providing critical coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The blocking began with Twitter and Facebook, and later expanded to Instagram and other social media. An range of foreign news sites were blocked, and that list continued to expand. This blockage of social media and news sites continues today.

  Russia

  • Start 26 February 2022 12:00 a.m.
  • End Ongoing
  • Total Duration 1201 days, 12 hours

August 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet Services

  Moscow

  The BBC Russian Service has reportedly obtained a letter that indicates Moscow law enforcement officials ordered cellular Internet services to be shut down during last Saturday’s protest for free elections

  Russia

  • Start 3 August 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • End 3 August 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • Total Duration 0 hours

March 2019

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobiles Internet and Ethernet services

  Ingushetia

  During the period from March 26 to April 1, 2019, there was no concrete evidence of an internet shutdown specifically within Russia during this timeframe based on the sources reviewed. However, discussions about internet control in Russia during this era often focus on its broader strategies to monitor and restrict internet access. The introduction of the “sovereign internet” law in 2019 allowed the Russian government to centralize control over internet infrastructure, enabling it to block content and reroute traffic when deemed necessary for national security. These measures facilitated potential disruptions or targeted restrictions under various circumstances, including protests or events of political dissent.

  Russia

  • Start 26 March 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • End 1 April 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • Total Duration 6 days
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Ingushetia

  Russia

  • Start 16 March 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • End 16 March 2019 12:00 a.m.
  • Total Duration 0 hours