According to Russia’s Ministry of Communication, a test was successfully carried out just before Christmas without an average user noticing the switch.
As expected, critics believe a Russian owned “Internet” means the government can censor the communication space by restricting what content Russian users will be able to access. The Russian government claims its own internet service will enable it to maintain tighter control and ensure Russian Internet services can continue without interference from other countries, such as the United States.
Russia was forced to take a protectionist approach after various U.S sanctions against countries or firms working with her government has disrupted different projects. One in particular has halted the completion of one of the country’s gas pipeline project in the Baltic sea.
Internet censorship is not a new idea. China did it with Google. Nations of the world from time to time censor their internet space to nationally control access certain information available online.
