Russia must build own internet in case of foreign disruption: Putin
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS FEBRUARY 20, 2019 / 1:05 PM / UPDATED 17 MINUTES AGO
Russia must build own internet in case of foreign disruption: Putin
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia must prepare for possible Western attempts to deny it access to the global internet by creating its own self-sufficient segments of the web, President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying on Wednesday by Russian news agencies.
I think, they (foreign countries) will think through carefully before doing it, but there is a theoretical possibility (of Russia being cut off from the internet), and thats why we should create segments that dont depend on anyone, Tass quoted Putin as saying.
I cant speak for our partners, what they have up their sleeves, but I think it will do colossal damage to them, he said, without elaborating.
Putins comments came days after Russian lawmakers backed tighter internet controls to defend against foreign meddling. Critics say the draft legislation could disrupt the internet in Russia and be used to stifle dissent.
The bill seeks to route Russian web traffic and data through points controlled by state authorities and proposes building a national Domain Name System to allow the internet to continue functioning even if Russia is cut off from foreign online infrastructure.
Reporting by Maxim Rodionov, Editing by Gareth Jones
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-internet-putin/russia-must-build-own-internet-in-case-of-foreign-disruption-putin-idUSKCN1Q92EQ