Belarus follows Russia in imposing mobile web restrictions, says CCD

According to Ukrinform, the Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine reported this on Telegram.

“Systemic signs of increased control over the digital space are being observed in Belarus. This includes restrictions on mobile web (up to 30 GB per month), as well as artificial reductions in data transfer speeds,” the statement reads.

In addition, users report a deterioration in network connectivity, including unstable network access, service disruptions, and other issues. Internet problems negatively affect both businesses and people’s daily lives.

“However, the Belarusian authorities, following Russia’s example, are disregarding the interests of their citizens and introducing a gradual, total restriction of the internet,” the CCD added.

The Center noted that restrictions on internet freedom in Belarus are not a new phenomenon. Previously, localized internet shutdowns during protests, as well as monitoring of citizens’ online activity, were repeatedly documented. The current measures are a logical continuation of the country’s leadership’s policy of restrictions.

“In the long term, such actions create the conditions for an equivalent of Russia’s ‘sovereign internet,’” the CCD explains.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russia has launched a digital service to attract foreign specialists amid a labor shortage; however, similar initiatives were unsuccessful in the past, and this project is also at risk of failure.

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