Digital censorship intensifies in Russia, prompting public use of circumvention tools
Original framing: “Russians juggle phones and VPNs to skirt Putin’s digital iron curtain” — The Japan Times
The use of digital censorship in Russia echoes historical patterns of state control over information, such as the Soviet-era KGB surveillance. These patterns show that digital authoritarianism is a continuation of older forms of repression adapted to new technologies.
The digital censorship in Russia is part of a broader trend of authoritarian states using technology to suppress dissent and control information.
This trend is not isolated but is mirrored in other countries, reflecting a global shift towards digital authoritarianism. Indigenous and marginalized communities often have unique strategies for resistance that are underrepresented in mainstream narratives. A holistic approach that includes technological, legal, and cultural solutions is necessary to counteract these trends. International cooperation and support for digital rights are crucial in this effort, as is the inclusion of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of digital governance.