Russia managed to disconnect from the global Internet during a trial in June and July. This was reported by the Moscow newspaper RBC with reference to the documents of the working group to improve Internet security in the country, according to Reuters.
At the end of 2019, Russia adopted the so-called sovereign law on the Internet, aimed at protecting the country from being cut off from foreign infrastructure. The motive for this event is a response to what Russia calls the “aggressive nature” of the US national cyber security strategy.
The new legislation has tightened Moscow’s control over the global network and has worried defenders of freedom of speech who fear that the authorities will have more opportunities to monitor cyberspace.
According to RBC, according to preliminary estimates, the tests involving all major telecommunications companies in Russia from June 15 to July 15 were successful. “The purpose of the tests was to determine the ability of the runet to act in the event of external interference, blockages and other threats,” the source told the newspaper.
Another source added that the possibility of physically disconnecting the Russian part of the Internet was tested.