As Putin imposes internet blackouts, Russians show signs of frustration

Russians might be getting fed up with the Kremlin making their lives harder and more isolated in the name of security

Russians might be getting fed up with the Kremlin making their lives harder and more isolated in the name of security.

A rare call for protests over the weekend followed mounting signs of anger and ridicule aimed at authorities, with pro-Kremlin influencers and newspapers joining a growing wave of public frustration at the government’s approach.

A major mobile internet blackout in Moscow and the throttling of the popular messaging app Telegram, both justified by ambiguous security considerations, helped fuel the rare public criticism over this erosion of digital freedoms and connectivity. It comes against the backdrop of soaring prices and an ailing wartime economy, with little sign of major battlefield progress in Ukraine.

Memes on TikTok and Instagram ridiculed Russians resorting to paper maps and pagers in the absence of mobile internet, or walking around the capital with satellite antennas strapped to their laptops.

Add NBC News to GoogleRussia fires nearly a thousand drones against Ukraine04:46Others went beyond satire, calling on their compatriots to gather in protest over the weekend. While authorities did not approve any public rallies, at least 20 people were detained for protesting digital restrictions across Russia on Sunday, a rights group said.