Russia’s net grip tightens

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin yesterday signed into law a “sovereign internet” bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country’s internet, a move decried by rights groups.

Russian politicians insist the new law is necessary to ensure the security of Russia’s online networks, but critics say the vaguely worded bill gives new censorship powers to government monitors.

The measures include creating technology to monitor internet routing and to steer Russian internet traffic away from foreign servers.