Russian citizens have turned to social media to ridicule Vladimir Putin following disruptions in internet services in major urban centers. Locals have resorted to using their electronic devices as makeshift table tennis paddles or kitchen tools amidst the communication blackout in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Due to widespread internet outages, residents in these cities have been left without the means to communicate effectively, leading to an unconventional reliance on walkie-talkies, pagers, and physical maps. Videos circulating online depict Muscovites repurposing their smartphones for comedic purposes.
Comedian Andrei Kaygorodov shared amusing clips on Instagram demonstrating unconventional uses for mobile phones during the internet blackout. The videos show him utilizing his smartphone as a ping pong racket and a cutting tool for vegetables. Another clip shows him celebrating with champagne upon discovering the internet is functioning again.
Reports from Moscow-24 indicate a surge in demand for printed atlases, travel guides, and alternative communication devices as residents grapple with the absence of cellular service. This development coincides with concerns that Putin has restricted mobile internet access in Moscow for nearly two weeks due to potential security risks.
Allegations suggest that Putin’s decision to block mobile internet is linked to fears of a conspiracy by followers of senior security council official Sergei Shoigu. This alleged plot has prompted the regime to disable internet services in Moscow, particularly around security and military installations suspected of involvement in a scheme to overthrow the government.
Unconfirmed reports aired by Channel VChK-OGPU implicate Shoigu’s faction in a coup attempt against Putin, citing past incidents involving security breaches. The channel acknowledges the perceived far-fetched nature of the claims while emphasizing disruptions in communication around law enforcement facilities.
Previous instances of mobile internet shutdowns across Russia have created significant disruptions, with over 11,900 outages recorded nationwide in the past seven months. The Kremlin has justified recent disruptions in Moscow and other cities as essential for maintaining security.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed that all communication restrictions adhere to legal mandates and are necessary for security purposes. Recent legislative actions, including a law signed by Putin in February, have empowered security agencies to regulate electronic communications in the interest of national security.
At Reach and its affiliated entities, user data is collected to enhance website experiences and provide personalized advertising. Users can opt out of data sharing by adjusting privacy settings. Continued use of services implies consent to cookie usage and adherence to privacy policies and terms.
