Kremlin says internet restrictions in Russia will last 'as long as necessary' to ensure public 'safety'

MOSCOW

Russia’s restrictions on internet access will last "as long as necessary to ensure citizens’ safety,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday.

Asked by journalists how long the internet restrictions will last, Peskov told a press briefing in Moscow that "citizens have no doubt" that the restrictions are meant for safety purposes.

"For as long as additional measures to ensure the safety of our citizens are necessary. I think citizens can have no doubt that the main priority is ensuring security. I repeat once again, everything is in strict accordance with current legislation," he said.

The problems the restrictions cause for businesses are "a different matter,” he said, adding that they "must definitely become a topic for discussion in our relevant agencies" in order to minimize losses.

Since Russia’s parliament passed a law allowing the Federal Security Service to block the internet, the public has been complaining about the inability to use the internet outside the home and office.

Mobile internet is currently working very poorly, with a stable connection only possible via wi-fi.