Russia’s internet iron curtain has been formally signed into law by President Putin. The nation’s internet service providers have until 1 November to ensure they comply.
The law will force traffic through government-controlled exchanges and eventually require the creation of a national domain name system.
The bill has been promoted as advancing Russian sovereignty and ensuring Runet, Russia’s domestic internet, remains functioning regardless of what happens elsewhere in the world. The government has claimed “aggressive” US cybersecurity policies justify the move.
Control of exchanges is seen as an easy way for the Russian government to increase its control over what data its citizens can see, and what they can post. The Kremlin wants all data required by the network to be stored within Russian borders.
ISPs will only be allowed to connect to other ISPs, or peer, through approved exchanges. These exchanges will have to include government-supplied boxes which can block data traffic as required.
There have been widespread protests within the country against the law.
Robin Edgar
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