Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Russia to honor its international obligations by restoring comprehensive internet access amid ongoing censorship and the detainment of protestors. The organization’s appeal highlights the extensive mobile internet and cellular access shutdowns that Russian authorities have implemented, ostensibly for public safety reasons. These shutdowns, some lasting up to 12 months, have been accompanied by arrests and reported mistreatment of individuals organizing protests reported by JURIST.
The Russian government’s control mechanisms include a law enacted in early March, granting the Federal Security Service the authority to interrupt communication channels deemed necessary by the president. Dmitry Peskov, a presidential spokesperson, justified these restrictions as measures to ensure citizen safety, particularly in response to threats like air raids and drone attacks that have been occurring since spring 2025. Despite the shutdowns, certain online resources, including state services and some social media platforms, remain accessible.
The situation in Russia has drawn parallels with Chinese-style internet censorship. These restrictions extend beyond mere connectivity, with legislation proposed to mandate registration for internet access using passport information and to ban social media for children under 14. These measures form part of a broader strategy to curtail access to information and freedom of expression within the country.
HRW’s Europe and Central Asia Director, Hugh Williamson, has criticized the shutdowns and the suppression of peaceful protest as violations of Russia’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Articles 18, 19, and 21 of the ICCPR protect freedoms related to expression, information access, and assembly, all of which are reportedly being infringed upon.
These developments have been noted by other observers as well. According to another report, Russian authorities have increasingly turned to internet restrictions to control the flow of information and stifle dissent. The international community, including foreign governments and technology companies, is being urged to support efforts towards renewing unrestricted internet access in Russia.
The call for restoring full internet access resonates globally, emphasizing the intricate balance between national security and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.