Moscow to restrict mobile internet during two October summits
Original title: Moscow faces internet disruptions as foreign leaders gather for summits
From October 27 to 29, voice calls, Wi-Fi and a government whitelist stay available while wider mobile internet is cut.
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development said mobile internet in central Moscow could be disrupted from October 27 to 29 during the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and the Russia-Africa summit. Voice calls, Wi-Fi and sites on a government whitelist, including government sites, Russian social platforms, banks and marketplaces, remain available. Authorities have cited Ukrainian drone threats for similar shutdowns since spring 2025. Rights groups link the measures to broader internet controls since February 2022.
Unconfirmed: Advocates question whether drone risk explains the shutdowns; that motive is not confirmed by officials.
- The whitelist system was introduced in 2025 amid mobile internet shutdowns.
- Putin planned about 20 bilateral meetings, aide Yuri Ushakov said.
- A March 2026 central Moscow disruption lasted nearly a week.
- Advocates say drones do not necessarily need mobile internet.
- Organizations
- Ministry of Digital DevelopmentHuman Rights Watch
- Countries
- Russia
From the original article
2 min read at therecord.mediaThe restrictions will be in place from October 27 to 29, coinciding with the Gas Exporting Countries Forum summit and the Russia-Africa summit, Russia's Ministry of Digital Development said Monday.
therecord.media
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