Why is Russia cutting the internet and blocking apps?
From What in the World by BBC World Service
June 10, 2026 · 11 min
About this episode
The episode discusses Russia's internet crackdowns and their implications for citizens amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been banning social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X. Recently the government also extended the ban to Telegram, one of Russia’s most popular messaging apps. It’s cracking down on VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and it’s introduced a new state-backed app called Max, which comes downloaded on any new phone. Authorities say these internet crackdowns are needed to “ensure security” and disrupt Ukrainian drones. But some say this is actually all about censorship - and that the government is trying to extend its control over the internet. So - how are these bans affecting Russians that rely on the internet everyday? BBC Monitoring journalist Clare Denning joins us to break down why the Kremlin is restricting access to the internet and how Russians are reacting to the crackdown. Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Julia Ross-Roy, Sarah Coop and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde
People in this episode
Host: Hannah Gelbart
Guest: Clare Denning
Topics covered
- internet censorship
- Russia
- social media bans
- VPN restrictions
- Ukrainian conflict
- government control
Keywords
- internet censorship
- Russia
- social media
- VPN
- Telegram
- Ukrainian drones
- Max app
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BBC Monitoring, Russia, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Max
Places: Ukraine
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