Why the Kremlin Is Forcing Russians Into an “Alternative” Internet
russian dictator vladimir putin has signed a law that, starting September 1 this year, bans the placement of advertisements on websites belonging to “extremist and undesirable organizations.” In russia, this includes two of the world’s largest social networks — Instagram and Facebook. Violations of the ban will be punishable by fines.
▫️ This move is an attempt by the russian authorities to redirect both the population and businesses toward russian media platforms. Notably, both “hostile” social networks have already been banned in russia since 2022. The introduction of a separate ban on advertising on these platforms shows that the kremlin’s war against Western social media has failed — as russians continue to find ways to access and use them.
The kremlin continues tightening its grip on the internet. The russian government is gradually building a fully controlled information space — one in which there will soon be no room for russians to freely express dissent toward the regime.
