President Vladimir Putin’s government has undertaken a series of deliberate actions aimed at tightening control over the internet and communications within Russia.
These actions are occurring concurrently with the implementation of stricter laws and enforcement regarding conscription and the evasion of military service.
During the period from 2025 to 2026, the Russian government enacted significant increases in internet censorship and restrictions.
This has involved blocking access to prominent messaging and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as throttling popular services like Telegram and WhatsApp.
Such measures not only limit personal communication but also impede the free flow of information among citizens.
In addition to these restrictions, there have been widespread mobile internet blackouts, particularly in major urban centres such as Moscow. Authorities claim that these blackouts are necessary for “security” purposes, ostensibly to maintain public order and prevent the dissemination of sensitive information.
However, analysts observe that these actions are part of a broader strategy to enhance censorship and exert greater control over the flow of information, further isolating the Russian populace from diverse viewpoints and external communications.
Human Rights Watch and other observers characterise this situation as part of a comprehensive effort to regulate digital communications strictly. There is a concerted push to funnel users toward state-approved platforms that operate under government surveillance, thereby significantly limiting Russians’ ability to access uncensored, independent sources of information. This heightened control fosters an environment of fear and compliance, effectively stifling dissenting voices.
Moreover, the Russian conscription system has undergone significant changes to facilitate the delivery of draft notices. Under the new system, draft summonses are deemed legally served as soon as they are posted on official government portals. This adjustment effectively tightens individuals’ ability to evade notice by simply disconnecting from online platforms. The implications are severe: draftees can face restrictions that prevent them from leaving the country if draft notices are issued against them. Additionally, noncompliance with military duties carries legal penalties, which makes it increasingly difficult for men eligible for the draft to avoid service.
These developments build on a long-standing trend of utilising technology and legal frameworks to suppress dissent and control public behaviour. Since the beginning of 2022, Russia has expanded its internet restrictions and propaganda controls, with wartime censorship becoming a common practice as authorities justify their actions under the guise of national security.
Consequently, while the situation may not represent a straightforward case of an outright “internet shutdown to catch draft dodgers,” there exists a coordinated strategy aimed at tightening digital spaces and deploying legal mechanisms that collectively hinder the ability of Russians to communicate freely. This strategy complicates both their capacity for open dialogue and their ability to evade conscription and other overarching state policies through legal means.
