Belarusian authorities are tightening control over the internet, following Russia's lead
Belarus has witnessed yet another phase in the crackdown on its citizens’ digital freedoms.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine reports the introduction of systemic restrictions on mobile internet access, which is part of a broader strategy to establish total control over the country’s information space.
The key change is the limitation of data usage on so-called unlimited plans.
Now, after using 30 GB of mobile internet per month, data transfer speeds are artificially reduced by operators, effectively making it impossible to comfortably use modern online services.
In addition to official limits, users are increasingly complaining about a general deterioration in connection quality.
In many regions of the country, there is unstable network access and constant disruptions in the operation of messaging apps and banking applications, which negatively affects business activity and the daily lives of the population.
“In Belarus, there are systemic signs of increased control over the digital space. This includes restrictions on mobile internet (up to 30 GB per month), as well as the artificial reduction of data transfer speeds,” notes the Center for Digital Policy under the National Security and Defense Council.
Experts view these actions as a logical continuation of the regime’s self-isolation policy.
Experts emphasize that the Belarusian authorities are copying Russia’s experience in building a closed digital ecosystem.
The restrictions introduced create the conditions for the formation of an analogue of Russia’s “sovereign internet,” where the state has the technical capability to fully filter content or shut down the network at will.
Targeted internet shutdowns had previously been used in the country during mass protests, but the current measures are more extensive and long-term in nature.
By technically limiting data speeds and volumes, the authorities are attempting to minimize the rapid spread of unwanted information among citizens.
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