Russians granted permission to utilize taxis, delivery services, and online marketplaces during internet blackout
In a move aimed at maintaining critical economic and infrastructure functions, Russia's Digital Development Ministry has introduced a white list system in collaboration with telecom operators. This system ensures that select services continue operating during widespread internet blackouts, which have surged due to security concerns such as Ukrainian drone attacks.
By default, foreign SIM cards will be limited to five hours of mobile internet use. However, the specific services listed on this white list include marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and machine-to-machine networks for ATMs and self-service devices. These services remain accessible at normal speeds even when the government imposes mobile internet restrictions or shutdowns across many regions in Russia.
During these shutdowns, users attempting to access these white-listed services may need to pass a CAPTCHA test to verify access. Other internet traffic is typically throttled or blocked. This targeted access allows the government to restrict other types of internet traffic, including voice and video calls on apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, which have faced partial blocking or throttling.
In addition, the Russian ministry will specify cooling-off periods for foreign SIM cards to prevent foreign drones from being controlled via Russian mobile networks. A map of free Wi-Fi points has been reported in the Rostov region, providing another option for internet access.
No further information was provided about Internet Krasnodar Mobile Communication Connectivity Technologies.
[1]: Source for Ukrainian drone attacks causing security concerns and surging internet blackouts in Russia. [2]: Source for partial blocking or throttling of voice and video calls on WhatsApp and Telegram. [3]: This information is not directly sourced, but is derived from the provided bullet points. [4]: Source for the need for CAPTCHA tests and throttling or blocking of other internet traffic during shutdowns. [5]: Source for the specific services included on the white list for mobile internet access during shutdowns in Russia.
The Russian government, in a bid to control certain types of internet traffic, has introduced a system that favors specific services during mobile internet restrictions. These services, listed on the white list, include marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and machine-to-machine networks for ATMs and self-service devices. Remarkably, even during widespread internet blackouts, these services remain accessible at normal speeds.
Politics and technology intersect in this situation as the Russian Digital Development Ministry, in collaboration with telecom operators, implements this white list system to ensure the continuity of these services under the Secured network conditions, despite security concerns arising from Ukrainian drone attacks, which have led to an increase in internet blackouts.
