Russia is doubling down on creating its own internet services in face of technology sanctions

The country's internet watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has demanded that Apple, Google, and Meta open offices in Russia by the end of the month or risk being banned from the country.

Russia has been gradually severing its ties with the global internet since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. In March, the country blocked access to Facebook and Twitter, and in April it banned Google News. Roskomnadzor has also been cracking down on VPNs, which Russians have been using to access blocked websites.

The Russian government is now pushing to create its own internet services that are not dependent on foreign companies. This includes developing a domestic search engine, social media platform, and email service.

The government has already allocated 10 billion rubles ($150 million) to develop a domestic search engine. The search engine, which is being developed by the state-owned company Rostelecom, is expected to be launched in 2023.

The government is also working on developing a domestic social media platform. The platform, which is being developed by the state-owned company VKontakte, is expected to be launched in 2024.

The Russian government's efforts to create its own internet services are likely to face a number of challenges.

For one, the Russian government will need to convince Russians to use these services. Many Russians are already familiar with and comfortable using Western internet services, and they may be reluctant to switch to domestic alternatives.

Additionally, the Russian government will need to address the issue of security. Western internet services are often more secure than Russian services, and the Russian government will need to convince Russians that their data will be safe if they use domestic services.

Despite the challenges, the Russian government is determined to create its own internet services. The government believes that this is necessary to protect the country's sovereignty and to reduce its dependence on foreign companies.

It remains to be seen whether the Russian government's efforts will be successful. However, the government's determination to create its own internet services is a sign that Russia is increasingly willing to go its own way on the internet.

Conclusion

The Russian government's efforts to create its own internet services are a significant development that could have a major impact on the global internet landscape. If the Russian government is successful in creating its own internet services, it could set a precedent for other countries to follow. This could lead to a more fragmented internet, with different countries having their own separate internets.

It is important to note that the Russian government's efforts to create its own internet services are still in their early stages. It is unclear whether the government will be successful in creating these services, and it is also unclear what the impact of these services will be on the global internet landscape.