Internet Use and Cyber Security in Russia

Author(s): Keir Giles
Editor(s): Stephen Aris, Matthias Neumann, Robert Orttung, Jeronim Perovic, Heiko Pleines, Hans-Henning Schröder, Aglaya Snetkov
Series: Russian Analytical Digest (RAD)
Issue: 134
Pages: 2-4
Publisher(s): Center for Security Studies (CSS), ETH Zurich; Research Centre for East European Studies, University of Bremen; Institute for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, George Washington University
Publication Year: 2013

Intensive use of social media by an expanding population of Russian internet users gives rise to acute concern among the Russian security structures. This follows examples of facilitation of regime change by means of social media during the Arab Spring. At the same time, both the political impact of online activism, and the extent of measures taken by the authorities to mitigate it, have been exaggerated. Opinions on the nature and role of cyber security, and even on what to call it, vary widely within the Russian leadership, giving rise to confused policy. The release of a promised Cyber Security Strategy may bring some clarity.

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