Well, since last time we basically expressed our thoughts and feelings about the problem, this time we can probably go into the details. And it should be noted that the authors and supporters of the bill vehemently deny that its aim is to disconnect Russia from the Internet, stating that it is just the opposite.
According to Klishas, on the contrary, the implementation of this law «will ensure the stable operation of communications networks, as well as the quality of communications services. This will make the Russian segment of the Internet resistant to threats, provide access to Russian websites, and allow Russian citizens to use Internet services (e-mail, online banking) in the face of any external threats.»
But how will this be done? It’s probably too early to talk about the details, but in general terms, the plan is to «order» or take control of information about domain names and network addresses of websites broadcasting to Russia, as well as the routes and content of their traffic. For this purpose, expensive equipment will be used, with which all Internet service providers providing access to the Internet in Russia will have to integrate.
The justification for this is, of course, ridiculous. If aggressive Western imperialists suddenly start banning Russian websites, or even decide to disconnect Russia from the World Wide Web altogether, the «sovereign Internet» system will allow them to continue their work. And now the question arises — how many Russian websites have been disconnected, especially in Russia, as a result of the actions of Western regulators? We don’t know of any such precedents. However, the Russian authorities, represented by Roskomnadzor, have currently blocked 147,117 materials within Russia, the vast majority of which are on Russian websites. So who is supposed to protect them from whom?!
In reality, of course, the Klishas-Lugovoy law has two goals: operational-technical and global-security. The first, according to their plan, should allow better control, or rather censorship, of the content of banned websites — not only by their IP, but also by traffic routing. The second should allow, if necessary, to actually cut off transmission to Russia from all technically uncontrollable sites. Under what circumstances could such a need arise? Well, it’s obvious — in case of mass protests, a Russian Maidan or something more serious. In this case, the regime wants to be sure that it can fully control the virtual space through which protest forces often coordinate their activities.
Will they succeed? Not very likely. All in all, 20 billion rubles are expected to be allocated for this purpose. This is not a small sum, but it is still intended to counter the technological power of the global information system, where the budget of any large transnational corporation exceeds the entire budget of the Russian Federation. Not to mention the fact that the sums already allocated for blocking Telegram have not been able to solve this task, as there are still people in Russia who continue to use it.
Therefore, as they say, in Russia the stupidity of laws is compensated by their non-enforcement. Most likely, the same will happen this time. But it is obvious to everyone that the authorities have taken another provocative step towards total control over Russian society and its isolation from the world.