Since Russia invaded Ukraine, big technology firms have been making moves to limit the reach of Russian propaganda. This has seen social media firms in particular limiting the reach of Russian state-owned news organisations, but now things have taken a worrying turn.
One of the leading internet service providers in the world, Cogent Communications has reportedly cut ties with its Russian clients according to a report from The Washington Post. The firm told WaPo that this was done to prevent its networks from being used for propaganda or to launch cyberattacks.
“Our goal is not to hurt anyone. It’s just to not empower the Russian government to have another tool in their war chest,” said Cogent chief executive officer Dave Schaeffer.
The downside of this is that now Russians may experience a slower, disrupted internet especially for users on Rostelecom, a Cogent client and Russia’s state-owned telecoms company.
Since the war began, there has been a sort of back and forth as regards limiting access of websites. The likes of YouTube and Facebook have moved to limit the reach of Sputnik and RT News in Europe while Russia has blocked access to the likes of the BBC and Deutsche Welle.
Many news organisations have also stopped reporting on what is happening in Russia because of a fake news law that could lead to prison time for those reporting what Russian lawmakers deem misinformation.
Cutting off internet access, however, is a drastic move that many internet freedom advocates are opposed to.
Yes, the internet allows cybercriminals to launch attacks but it also allows those in war-torn countries to find accurate reliable information. As Internet Society president and CEO Andrew Sullivan said before Cogent made its move, “The idea of unplugging a country is as wrong when people want to do it to another country as it is when governments want to do it to their own.”
In addition, calls for ICANN and RIPE to disconnect and revoke IP addresses in Russia were slammed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
“In moments of crisis, we are often tempted to take previously unthinkable steps. We should resist that temptation here, and take proposals like these off the table altogether. In dark times, people must be able to reach the light, reassure their loved ones, inform themselves and others, and escape the walls of propaganda and censorship. The internet is a crucial tool for all of that – don’t mess with it,” the internet freedom organisation said.
Cutting off access to the internet is a terrible move from both Russia and outside parties. While it does limit the effect ne’er-do-wells have, it also prevents people from finding legitimate information about the world beyond their borders. Cutting Russia off from the outside world will only serve to increase the amount of propaganda circling among the people while creating a blackhole for information from anybody looking in.
Internet connectivity should not be used as a weapon, not now, not ever and the fact that it is being used as such should alarm us all.
[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]
