Russia's federal censorship agency plans 'routine' tests disconnecting the Russian Internet from the global Internet

Russia’s federal censorship agency, Roskomnadzor, will conduct tests this December to disconnect the RuNet from the global Internet, according to a letter from the Central Bank to its affiliated companies. The tests will involve disabling access to the foreign segment of the Internet “in certain regions.”

Roskomnadzor’s press service told Kommersant that these exercises are routine, conducted annually, and have no impact on regular users. The agency stated that the purpose of the tests is to ensure the RuNet is prepared to maintain access to key foreign and Russian services in the event of “deliberate external interference.”

According to a law passed in 2019, RuNet isolation drills must take place at least once a year. At least three such exercises have been held — in 2019, 2021, and 2023. In early 2024, Russia experienced several widespread Internet outages that were also linked to these drills.