As Russia throttles popular apps and intermittently cuts off internet access, ordinary citizens, politicians, TV stars, and others criticize the restrictions

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TLDR

  • Russians from beauty influencers to opposition politicians are openly criticizing Putin’s moves to restrict internet access.

Key Facts

  • Russia has been throttling popular apps and intermittently cutting off internet access.
  • Ordinary citizens, politicians, and TV stars are among those speaking out.
  • Critics include both the token political opposition and public figures not typically associated with dissent.

Why It Matters

  • Public criticism of Kremlin policy by mainstream figures is notable given Russia’s tightening media controls.
  • The breadth of critics, spanning entertainment and politics, suggests the restrictions are broadly felt.

New York Times · 2026-04-28 · Read the original

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