The Kremlin is preparing a new phase of its offensive in the digital sphere, deepening its course toward total control over the IT sector and restricting access to global technologies.
The Russian authorities have announced plans for a new edition of the Russian Information Security Doctrine, in which the use of Western digital technologies will be defined as a systemic threat to the state. The updated document is intended to formalize a policy of “strengthening information sovereignty” and expanding government oversight of the digital environment, including artificial intelligence technologies.
According to the proposed approaches, the new edition will classify civilian digital technologies of Western origin—mobile devices, satellite internet (including Starlink), email services, and IT solutions from Western companies—as “tools of destructive informational-technical influence.” The list of threats will also include anti-Russian information campaigns, cyber intelligence activities, and cyberattacks on IT infrastructure. The Kremlin declares its intention to control the digital space and personal devices at all stages—from the development to the operation of any digital systems.
In the coming years, Russia may move toward a “whitelist” model of the internet, where access will be granted only to state-approved resources. At the same time, surveillance tools will be strengthened, including criminalizing uncontrolled communication channels and mass deployment of facial recognition systems.
Russia is already among the world leaders in terms of internet censorship and the duration of deliberate network shutdowns. In 2025, the total duration of such shutdowns reached 37,100 hours, effectively affecting the entire population of the country, highlighting the systematic nature of its digital restrictions.
