Report: FSB Unit Linked to Navalny Poisoning Now Controls Russia’s Internet
According to a report by The Bell, cited by Meduza, the Federal Security Service’s (FSB) Second Service has assumed direct control over Russia’s internet infrastructure. This unit, historically associated with the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is reportedly driving the recent crackdown on digital privacy tools, including the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram voice calls and the suppression of VPN services. Sources indicate that FSB Chief Alexei Sedov secured presidential approval from Vladimir Putin in late 2025 to bring order to the online space. Since then, FSB officers have aggressively enforced compliance among telecom operators and tech companies, threatening severe consequences for non-cooperation. Major payment platforms, such as Sberbank’s YuMoney, were ordered to halt transactions for VPN services. Furthermore, the Digital Development Ministry mandated that Russian IT services block users with active VPNs by April 15, 2026, under threat of losing tax benefits and accreditation. This shift marks a significant escalation in state censorship, with the FSB replacing civilian ministries as the primary authority dictating internet policy and enforcing strict information controls within the Russian Federation.
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Report: FSB Unit Linked to Navalny Poisoning Now Controls Russia’s Internet
According to a report by The Bell, cited by Meduza, the Federal Security Service’s (FSB) Second Service has assumed direct control over Russia’s internet infrastructure. This unit, historically associated with the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, is reportedly driving the recent crackdown on digital privacy tools, including the blocking of WhatsApp and Telegram voice calls and the suppression of VPN services. Sources indicate that FSB Chief Alexei Sedov secured presidential approval from Vladimir Putin in late 2025 to bring order to the online space. Since then, FSB officers have aggressively enforced compliance among telecom operators and tech companies, threatening severe consequences for non-cooperation. Major payment platforms, such as Sberbank’s YuMoney, were ordered to halt transactions for VPN services. Furthermore, the Digital Development Ministry mandated that Russian IT services block users with active VPNs by April 15, 2026, under threat of losing tax benefits and accreditation. This shift marks a significant escalation in state censorship, with the FSB replacing civilian ministries as the primary authority dictating internet policy and enforcing strict information controls within the Russian Federation.
Meduza.io