Feb 17 β€’ 10:07 UTC πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡° Slovakia Postoj

A Look from Moscow / Back to the Internet Stone Age. Authorities Are Taking Away Popular Apps from Russians

The Russian regime is increasingly restricting access to communication applications, complicating digital communication for its citizens, especially the older generation.

In recent times, individuals in Russia, including the author's family members, have been struggling to circumvent the government's internet censorship that has been progressively limiting access to essential communication applications. The article describes the personal experience of the author's mother, who humorously notes the absurdity of returning to outdated communication methods following the government's restrictions on popular apps like WhatsApp. As the list of blocked communication platforms grows, particularly those capable of aiding older individuals in maintaining family connections, fewer viable options remain.

Furthermore, the ramifications of this censorship extend beyond private communication, impacting the author's professional work. The Russian government has started blocking crucial services such as Amazon Web Services and Cloudflare, which complicates the author's ability to conduct TV broadcasts and engage in podcast production. With limited platforms still operational in Russia, the individual discusses the dire situation where only one or two platforms for podcasting remain functional, highlighting the extensive encroachment of state censorship into everyday life and professional domains.

Ultimately, the article provides a critical look at how the Russian regime's increasing digital censorship is not only diminishing personal connections among families but is also hindering professional communication and creativity, essentially pushing the country towards a digital isolation reminiscent of a 'stone age'. This situation raises significant concerns about the future of free access to information and communication in Russia, emphasizing the urgent need for alternatives or support for those affected by such restrictions.

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