In February 2019, the mainstream media sounded alarm as news of Russia debating an internet ‘kill-switch’ and considering a digital sovereignty strategy spread like wildfire. Can Russia really disconnect from the global internet? And what would that mean for Russian internet users and their digital freedoms, already under threat? I spoke to a number of media outlets about the nuances of the new bill, its feasibility, and what it could mean for the RuNet:
- My comment to Newsweek: “There is as yet no clarity on how much ‘disconnecting’ the Russian internet would cost and who would foot the bill.”
- My chat with RFE/RL: Hurdles Ahead As Russia Surges On With ‘Sovereign Internet’ Plan
- My brief interviews with BBC Newshour (from 38:00) and BBC Radio 4 Today Programme (from 54:45).
- Finally, I did a deep dive into the expectations, implications, and technicalities of the digital sovereignty bill with Masha Lipman for PONARS Eurasia’s Point & Counterpoint project: “Under the guise of defending the country against external foes, the ‘sovereignty’ bill at the same time aims to further neutralize those it sees as internal threats.”
If you are a journalist seeking input on this topic or other Russian internet-related issues, please get in touch!
Tanya Lokot 