Cogent Communications, an internet backbone provider that carries about 25% of global web traffic, has begun severing ties with Russian businesses in response to its invasion of Ukraine. The company told they do so to prevent the Kremlin from using its network to carry out cyberattacks and spread misinformation about the ongoing conflict.
“Our goal is not to hurt anyone. It’s just not to empower the Russian government to have another tool in their war arsenal,” Cogent CEO Dave Schaeffer told the outlet, adding “it was a difficult decision. “In a statement to The company said it also against Russia Today and Sputnik. “Cogent does not restrict or block traffic originating from or destined for Russia. Cogent continues to provide services to Ukraine,” the company added.
The move is expected to disrupt and slow down internet connections. Some of Cogent’s Russian customers include state telecom operator Rostelecom, one of the country’s largest internet providers, and wireless service providers Megafon and Veon. Cogent said it is working with a number of companies to offer them the extension.
WTF Cogent? Cutting off Russians from internet access prevents them from accessing independent news sources and the ability to organize anti-war protests. Don’t do Putin’s dirty work for him. https://t.co/uqbgOFYWX9
– Eva (@evacide) March 4, 2022
Some experts fear the move will also prevent Russians from accessing information that doesn’t come from the Kremlin. Mikhail Klimarev, executive director of the Russian Association for the Defense of the Internet, “I want to tell people all over the world that if you turn off the Internet in Russia, this means cutting off 140 million people from at least some of them. honest information. told washington articles. “As long as the Internet exists, people can find out the truth. There will be no Internet – all the people in Russia will just listen to propaganda”.
By that time, the Russians were inaccessible and after the country’s government moved to restrict those platforms. They may soon also.
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