Russian officials and business leaders reportedly frustrated with internet restrictions but afraid to tell Putin

Photo: EPA/IGOR IVANKO/AFP POOL

The Russian authorities’ internet restrictions are driving growing discontent among major business and government officials, including senior figures, independent news outlet Faridaily reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

“Everyone is against [the internet restrictions and messenger app block], except for one agency,” one source said, referring to the Federal Security Service (FSB). Officials are also reportedly frustrated by the forced transition to the state-backed messaging platform Max.

But despite the discontent, the sources said there is little appetite within the government to challenge the FSB’s influence directly, and no one dared to raise the issue with Vladimir Putin. According to Faridaily, security services have used the wartime environment to consolidate their power, shaping decision-making in the Kremlin. Sources describe Putin as having a limited grasp of technology, leaving him reliant on the assessments of security officials.

One potential trigger for policy change, the sources suggested, would be a marked increase in public support for parties competing with United Russia ahead of the State Duma elections, particularly the Communist Party of Russia. In that scenario, Kremlin officials overseeing electoral strategy could use the data to argue for curbing the security services’ role.

Separately, Faridaily noted in late March that amid rising public dissatisfaction, Putin had reduced his public engagements by roughly 25% and avoided commenting on major unpopular issues such as the internet restrictions. He also declined to address the internet blockings during an informal meeting with business leaders.