The Kremlin said on Tuesday that the internet restrictions introduced in Russia, which have caused disruption to many users, are necessary for security reasons and do not represent a return to stricter practices of the past, reports "Reuters".
The statement comes against the backdrop of increased control over the online space since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Russian authorities have blocked various messaging apps and virtual private networks (VPNs) that allow circumvention of censorship, as well as periodically restricting the mobile internet.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that some of the measures have caused inconvenience to citizens, but stressed that they are dictated by the need to The country's security is guaranteed.
He added that some of the restrictions are temporary and could be lifted when conditions allow. According to him, other measures are aimed at technology companies that do not comply with Russian law.