Russians Openly Question Putin's Internet Restrictions as Approval Drops
Russians are openly questioning President Vladimir Putin's internet restrictions for the first time, ranging from beauty influencers to political opposition. Putin's approval rating has dropped as the government pushes a "sovereign internet" that makes basic digital services unreliable.
Russians are breaking their usual silence to openly criticize President Vladimir Putin's sweeping internet restrictions, marking a rare moment of public dissent in the tightly controlled country.
The backlash spans from beauty influencers to political opposition figures as Putin's government promotes a state-backed messaging app called MAX as part of its "sovereign internet" push. But Russians aren't buying it.
The restrictions are hitting daily life hard. Bank apps and ride-sharing services don't work reliably. Government websites are glitchy. People can't easily connect with friends or family online.
"Russians are used to 21st century digital services, and now those are deeply unreliable," according to reports from Moscow. The frustration has led to Putin's approval rating falling noticeably.
Even within Putin's own system, cracks are showing. Low-level officials are quietly sabotaging the restrictions. Business leaders are expressing rare public criticism. Some Putin loyalists are openly questioning the policy.
Activist Yulia Grekova tried to organize protests against the internet restrictions but was blocked by authorities, showing the government knows this is a sensitive issue.
This rare public criticism of Putin shows how digital restrictions can backfire on authoritarian leaders. When people can't use banking apps, message friends, or access reliable internet, even loyal citizens start to push back.
Watch for more public criticism and whether Putin doubles down on restrictions or loosens them to calm growing discontent.
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