Several events with the involvement of high-standing Russian officials are planned for next week, dedicated to the work of the Russian segment of the Internet in emergency states. In particular, this topic will be discussed on Monday, September 22, at the Security Council with President Vladimir Putin in attendance, reports Vedomosti newspaper this Friday, September 19.
It is planned to make several decisions, which would reinforce the sovereignty of the Russian segment of the worldwide web. As such, a special order of governance of the Internet may be implemented, presuming the possibility of disconnecting Russia from the global network.
The tests carried out by the Ministry of Communication, showed that the Russian Internet is vulnerable, the newspaper reports. Means to minimize the risks, including the possibility of temporarily disconnecting the Russian Internet from the outside world, are being discussed, confirmed a special services worker.
This does not mean a permanent disconnection from access to the worldwide web. However, Russian operators will have to set up their equipment in such a way, that in case of an emergency, the Russian Internet may be disconnected operatively from the global network.
Emergency situations may include combat, and, for example, serious protests inside the country. One of Vedomosti’s informants reminded that in 2011 during tensions in Egypt, the local government switched off the Internet and mobile communication all over the country.
The second idea the officials will discuss is giving the state power to administrate domains, which done by a civil organization – the Coordination Center for the National Internet Domain. This may be taken up by the Federal Communication Agency, subject to the Ministry of Communication.
The Coordination Center includes a representative from the Ministry, however, officials want to control the entire system of distribution of domains within the Russian Internet entirely, stated one of the newspaper’s sources.
The President’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov confirmed that an operative session of the Security Council is set for Monday, however, he did not say what issues will be subject to discussion.
