Residents of Saint Petersburg are facing disruptions in mobile internet access, with only government-approved websites operational in some areas, amidst warnings of potential internet shutdowns for security reasons.
Residents of Saint Petersburg have voiced their frustrations regarding mobile internet access, particularly in several districts including the city center, where only government-sanctioned websites known as the 'white list' can be accessed. In addition, many have reported that they did not receive any SMS alerts about the threat posed by drones in the area. This situation comes in the wake of government advisories recommending the use of the city’s free Wi-Fi network, SPB_FREE, which requires users to register using their phone numbers.
The issue seems to parallel recent disturbances in mobile internet service experienced by residents in Moscow, where reports indicated that several areas had no connectivity at all. Despite the service being down, resources included in the 'white list' were still accessible, although popular messaging apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp were not part of this list. According to sources from RBC, Moscow has been testing the 'white list', signaling a broader trend of internet restrictions under the guise of security considerations.
This situation raises significant concerns regarding censorship and communication freedom in Russia, as residents are increasingly cut off from essential information during critical times. The choice to only allow access to government-approved information can have dangerous implications, especially in the face of potential security threats, where real-time communication is vital for public safety.
