(MOSCOW) – The Russian authorities have conducted a series of comprehensive tests involving the complete shutdown of internet services in Moscow as the Kremlin seeks to expand its domestic surveillance and control mechanisms. Residents in the southern and central districts of the capital reported a total loss of mobile internet connectivity and an inability to place voice calls. Russian mobile operators, including T2, Beeline, and Megaphone, have clarified that the outages were not caused by technical failures on their part but resulted from external restrictions and mandatory security measures.
Industry experts and observers suggest these measures are intrinsically linked to the survival of the regime led by the Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin. Facing significant internal challenges and a deteriorating geopolitical position, the Kremlin appears to be testing the feasibility of a total information blackout to prevent potential civil unrest. The outages began around 8:00 p.m. on 5 March and persisted until midday on 6 March, leaving millions of users without communication for over sixteen hours. Reports from the independent source Durov’s Code confirmed that mobile devices during this period were restricted to emergency calls only.
The economic implications of such disruptions are severe, particularly for a business sector that relies heavily on digital connectivity. Beyond commerce, the shutdowns impact essential services and personal safety, such as the ability of parents to contact children or individuals to access medical assistance. While the Kremlin previously justified regional internet restrictions as a defence against Ukrainian drone strikes, the recent Moscow tests occurred in areas far removed from any frontline activity. This suggests the primary objective is the suppression of information rather than national defence.
