Behind Russia’s ‘digital iron curtain’, tech workarounds thrive


Demand for VPNs and encrypted messaging apps have soared as Russians try to access blocked websites and credible news, but the country's moves risk splintering the Internet further along geopolitical lines. — AFP Relaxnews

As a busy tour guide in St. Petersburg, Vsevolod Gavrilov never paid much attention to the day’s headlines, instead tracking travel influencers on social media platforms and messaging his friends on the Telegram app.

But since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb 24, the 37-year-old said he had been trying to find “credible” news sources due to Russian moves to block numerous global and local news sites, along with social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Russia , Ukraine , VPN

Next In Tech News

Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications
Studies: AI chatbots can influence voters
LG Elec says Microsoft and LG affiliates pursuing cooperation on data centres
Apple appoints Meta's Newstead as general counsel amid executive changes
AI's rise stirs excitement, sparks job worries
Australia's NEXTDC inks MoU with OpenAI to develop AI infrastructure in Sydney, shares jump
SentinelOne forecasts quarterly revenue below estimates, CFO to step down
Hewlett Packard forecasts weak quarterly revenue, shares fall
Microsoft to lift productivity suite prices for businesses, governments
Bank of America expands crypto access for wealth management clients

Others Also Read