Access to many major international digital platforms has suddenly been cut off in Russia. According to media reports, popular platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook are no longer working within the country. It is being told that the domain names of these websites have been removed from the National Domain Name System (DNS) of Russia.
Ban on foreign sites
Earlier, the speed of some platforms was slowed down in Russia, but this time the situation is different. Under the current move, these websites have become completely “invisible”. When a user tries to open these sites, the system is unable to find the corresponding IP address. As a result, an error message appears on the screen that such domain does not exist.
Media websites also affected
According to reports, not only social media platforms but also the websites of many international media organizations have been affected. These include sites like BBC, Doucha Vale, Radio Free Europe, Radio Liberty. Apart from this, Tor Browser used for anonymous browsing has also been blocked.
Strictly under National DNS System
Internet service providers in Russia are required to use the country’s national DNS system. The system operates under the supervision of a government agency called Roskomnadzor, which enforces Internet control under a “sovereign Internet” law.
According to the report, from 2021 itself, Russia also started gradually limiting the use of alternative DNS services like Google DNS. Now the latest step is being considered as a big and tough decision towards internet control.
Strict noose on foreign digital platforms
Experts believe that this action is a major step towards virtually eliminating the reach of foreign digital platforms and media outlets in Russia. Due to this, people living inside the country have been cut off from many global services and sources of news.
