Russia Considers Temporary Disconnection from the Global Internet

Russian media reports on Monday, February 11, indicate that officials in the country are examining the possibility of temporarily disconnecting from the global internet. This trial program is said to be designed for cyber defense. The RBC news agency reported that this action is part of an assessment of the results of the "National Digital Economy Program" proposed in the Russian parliament last year. This plan requires internet providers to ensure the provision of services to Russian citizens and users in the event that Russia's internet is cut off by foreign countries. Reports suggest that this proposal emerged after the United States presented its National Cybersecurity Strategy document, which warned that Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea utilize cyberspace to launch cyberattacks against the United States, necessitating a change in America's approach. As part of the temporary internet disconnection plan, Russia's communications oversight agency (Roskomnadzor) is expected to ensure that data exchanged between Russian citizens and organizations remains within the country and is inaccessible from outside Russia. Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had supported the creation of a national and independent internet for the country. The RT news network also reported that in 2014, the Russian Ministry of Communications had simulated the shutdown of global internet services. This report adds that the Ministry successfully used an internal alternative system for internet affairs during this simulation. RIA Novosti also reported that the State Duma, the Russian parliament, will discuss this proposal in its session on Tuesday. Russian media state that the temporary disconnection from the global internet is expected to be implemented before April 1, although the exact date for the implementation of this plan has not yet been announced.