Russia: Digital Iron Curtain Falls on Internet Freedom Protection Day

(Human Rights Watch) Russian authorities have escalated their internet censorship efforts over the past month, Human Rights Watch said, a day marked by free speech defenders as World Day Against Cyber Censorship. The government has blocked the most popular social media platform in Russia, coercing users to switch to a state-approved application, as well as circumvention tools. “State control over internet infrastructure has long been the top priority for the Russian government,” said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The recent escalation of internet censorship raises serious concerns over the ability of people in Russia to access an open and free internet.” – Russia: Digital Iron Curtain Falls on Internet Freedom Protection Day | Human Rights Watch