Summary

This brief examines Russia’s escalating efforts to control the digital information environment by restricting access to major foreign platforms such as YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram. It highlights how these measures are designed to suppress dissent and limit Russian citizens’ access to independent information, while simultaneously pushing users toward state-controlled domestic alternatives. These restrictions also affect independent Russian media operating from exile by undermining their ability to reach audiences inside the country.

To effectively counter these developments, the brief emphasises the need to support independent journalism and strengthen technologies that enable users to circumvent censorship. Sustained financial, technical, and policy support is necessary to help media organisations adapt their distribution strategies and maintain access to audiences in increasingly restricted environments. At the same time, international cooperation is essential to defend the principles of a global, open internet against growing digital authoritarianism.