Stories about Russia from June, 2017
Is the End Near for Telegram in Russia?

Blocking Telegram in Russia would surely decrease its popularity, but there is no guarantee that it will help stifle communication among violent extremist groups.
Transgender Woman Speaks on Chechnya's Persecutions and Life Pre-Kadyrov
"The man ran away. The women called an ambulance. I learned at the hospital that I had two stab wounds in my right lung."
‘Who Has the Most Selfies?’ Council of Bloggers Meets for First Time in Russian Parliament

"I have more than ten thousand [selfies]," firebrand politician Vladimir Zhirinovsky joked. "Who has more than me? No one!"
Hackers Troll Prosecutor's Office In Advance of Russia Day Protests

On the eve of tomorrow's nationwide anti-corruption protests, hackers broke into the Yaroslavl Region Prosecutor's Office's website and posted a message.
Russian Parliament Moves Ahead With Banning Anonymity on Messenger Apps

The Duma’s Information and Technology Committee has approved controversial draft legislation that would ban anonymity on online messengers, recommending the draft law for consideration in its first reading.
What YouTube Comments on Two Cover Songs Reveal About the Irish and Sámi Languages

The music videos for popular songs translated into minority languages can create spaces for joy, solidarity, and pride—as well as scorn, social divisions, and nationalism.
Russia Might Ditch Its Failed ‘Bloggers’ Registry’

Russian lawmakers in the State Duma have introduced legislation that would abolish the so-called “Bloggers’ Registry” created in 2014, which saddles popular bloggers with special regulations.
Russia's Biggest Social Network Now Allows Political Ads, But Not For Everyone

Vkontakte, Russia’s most popular social network, has lifted a ban on political advertisements, albeit with strict limitations that are likely to benefit the country’s political establishment.
Digital Guerrillas Bring Down Russian State Censor's Website

How hackers tricked Internet service providers into blocking the state censor's website.
Inside Russia’s National Liberation Movement With Pavel Merzlikin

Lincoln Pigman translates Pavel Merzlikin's opus on how he joined and escaped Russia’s far-right National Liberation Movement.
Global Voices Seeks New Editor for RuNet Echo

Global Voices seeks a part-time Project Editor to oversee our ongoing coverage of Russia, analyzing the Russian-language Internet, online speech, and social networks.