Putin on Large-Scale Internet Outages

Vladimir Putin has expressed his support for limiting internet access in the event of terrorist threats, prioritizing the safety of citizens. During a meeting with government officials, the President of Russia mentioned that widespread awareness of restrictions aimed at preventing terrorist acts could hinder operational activities. “Criminals also hear everything, see everything. If they receive any information, they will adjust their behavior and criminal plans,” the country's leader emphasized.

At the same time, Putin clarified that citizens need to be informed about the outcomes of operational services. According to the President, cooperation between law enforcement agencies and civil authority structures is essential for finding the best solutions. He expressed hope that law enforcement officials would demonstrate professionalism and ingenuity while considering the interests of citizens.

Putin stated that a mechanism for the uninterrupted operation of essential services should be developed. He reminded that the ability to call emergency services is maintained even with a zero balance and added that this approach should also be extended to services accessible via mobile internet. In particular, the state services portal, payment systems, and medical appointment services should operate even under basic restrictions.

In Russia's regions, large-scale internet outages occur in the context of drone threats. Some regional governors warn residents in advance about possible disruptions. In such cases, more than 500 platforms, including banking applications, marketplaces, and certain media outlets, remain available, as listed in the “white list” of the Ministry of Digital Development.