Russian Authorities Warn of Potential New Year's Mobile Internet Disruptions in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Authorities Cite Security Concerns for Potential Outages

Russian authorities issued warnings regarding potential mobile internet disruptions in major cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, leading up to and during New Year's Eve. The stated reason for these possible outages was security, aimed at preventing potential drone attacks, which officials claim can utilize local mobile networks for guidance.

Andrey Svintsov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Information in the State Duma, the lower house of Russia's parliament, was quoted by state-controlled news agency Tass stating that mobile internet 'may be disabled to ensure the safety of our citizens.' Svintsov further suggested that such a measure would allow people to 'finally get a break from the endless viewing of unnecessary videos' and encouraged citizens to deliver holiday greetings in person.

Public Outcry and Broader Context of Digital Control

The announcement triggered significant public anger, dismay, and derision across Russian social media platforms. Many users expressed concerns about the practical implications of such a shutdown, particularly for essential services in a country spanning 11 time zones. Criticisms highlighted difficulties in tasks such as:

• Hailing taxis in subzero temperatures
• Navigating roads
• Paying for groceries
• Accessing emergency services

Some commenters mocked officials' advice to use Wi-Fi, pointing out that many public hotspots require SMS verification, which would be impossible without a mobile network. The proposed restrictions are seen by some as a continuation of tightening government repression and censorship on digital freedoms since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Authorities have increasingly employed 'whitelisting,' a system that permits access only to preapproved sites during 'security events,' which critics liken to a 'Digital North Korea' model.

Precedent and Implications for Daily Life

Mobile internet blackouts have become a recurring measure in Russia, with monitoring projects indicating over 11,000 disconnections across 80 regions in 2025 alone, often justified as protection against Ukrainian drone attacks. These shutdowns have previously affected regions like Belgorod, Smolensk, and Arkhangelsk. The decision to potentially cut mobile internet in major metropolitan areas like Moscow and St. Petersburg could significantly disrupt daily life, paralyzing navigation systems and taxi services, and potentially leading to transport collapse during mass holiday events. Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously acknowledged internet shutdowns as necessary for security amid drone threats, claiming foreign-based internet services aid adversaries in targeting.