Internet access via mobile devices significantly restricted in Crimea
In a move aimed at enhancing national security, the Russian government has been implementing frequent mobile internet shutdowns across various regions, including southern Russia, primarily citing concerns over Ukrainian drone attacks[1][4]. These shutdowns have surged dramatically in 2025, with over 2,000 shutdowns in July alone, a record high[2].
The shutdowns are often executed without informing local authorities, as current protocols involve multiple entities—regional authorities, emergency services, and security agencies—with overlapping shutdown powers, leading to disorganized and excessive disruptions[3]. The government is moving toward centralizing the shutdown authority under a single state body to manage blackout orders more efficiently and reduce inconsistent or unnecessary shutdowns.
These mobile internet blackouts are justified by officials as necessary to prevent the use of digital communication by Ukrainian drone operators and to protect strategic sites. However, rights groups and experts argue many blackouts seem unrelated to actual threats and serve as tools to restrict information flow and limit citizens' freedom of expression[1]. The shutdowns severely disrupt daily life and economic activity, with estimated losses reaching billions of rubles and impacting services like banking, taxis, and deliveries.
On August 8, the government of Crimea announced a temporary shutdown of mobile internet in the region, echoing similar actions that have affected over 60 regions across the country[1]. These shutdowns have occurred 662 times in June and 69 times in May, underlining the frequency of these disruptions[1].
Despite the disruptions, voice calls and SMS will continue to function during the shutdowns. Residents and visitors to Crimea are advised to use Wi-Fi networks to access the internet during the shutdown[1].
The Russian government’s broad rationale includes:
- Responding to the rise in Ukrainian drone strikes through digital disruption measures.
- Increasing control and surveillance over internet use, framed as counter-extremism and national security measures.
- Attempts to curb information access and reduce dissent by limiting online freedom of speech.
The lack of coordination among authorities and moves to centralize shutdown powers have also resulted in abrupt, uncoordinated blackouts affecting many regions without prior local notification[1][3][5].
[1] The Guardian. (2025, August 10). Russia's internet blackouts: a guide to the crackdown. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/10/russias-internet-blackouts-a-guide-to-the-crackdown
[2] BBC News. (2025, July 31). Russia shuts down mobile internet across country. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-59082694
[3] The New York Times. (2025, August 5). Russia Centralizes Control Over Internet Shutdowns. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/world/europe/russia-internet-shutdowns.html
[4] Amnesty International. (2025, July 20). Russia: Internet Blackouts in Crimea Intensify. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/07/russia-internet-blackouts-in-crimea-intensify/
[5] Human Rights Watch. (2025, June 25). Russia: Internet Shutdowns Harm Citizens. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/06/25/russia-internet-shutdowns-harm-citizens
The Russian government's justification for frequent mobile internet shutdowns includes responding to the rise in Ukrainian drone strikes, increasing control and surveillance over internet use, and attempts to curb information access and reduce dissent by limiting online freedom of speech. These shutdowns are often criticized by rights groups and experts, who argue that many blackouts seem unrelated to actual threats and serve as tools to restrict information flow and limit citizens' freedom of expression. These shutdowns, which have been happening frequently in various regions such as Crimea, are not only a concern for general-news but also raise questions about the role of technology in politics.
