Latest posts by Sergey Kozlovsky
The Thaw Is Over: The Next Wave of Repression in Belarus

The regime in Belarus hasn't changed; it’s just pretending to be democratic to get what it wants.
The Amazing, Endearing PSAs of the Belarusian Ministry of Emergencies

The Belarusian ministry in charge of managing disasters and national emergencies has produced a cartoon show. The series features animals in Looney-Toons-style misadventures, and teaches children how to stay safe.
The Strange Death of Russia's Closest Alliance

Almost three years ago, President Alexander Lukashenko suddenly realized that his country's weak sense of national identity was a serious problem. It's been odd times for Belarus ever since.
Belarus Catches Up to Russia With Its Own Pro-government ‘Troll Factory’

Leaked emails published on ElectBy suggest pro-government Belarusian Republican Youth Union directs its local chapters to leave negative comments on articles about recent opposition rallies.
How Safe Are Internet Search Engines from Russian Censorship?

Saddling Internet search engines in Russia with new regulations raises special concerns, given Moscow's recent track record for reinterpreting Internet laws in ways that inhibit civic freedoms online.
Are Google and eBay Bowing to the Kremlin's Data Localization Demands?

Google and eBay may be caving to Russia's data localization law, a move that would leave users even more vulnerable to state surveillance than they are today.
Belarus Tightens Grip on Internet With New Data Retention Decree

The new data retention demands are just the latest in a string of restrictive Internet measures employed by Belarus in the wake of the next presidential election.
The Dress Rehearsal for the Belarusian Crackdown

"Belaruskaya Pravda" chief editor Yuri Dubina says the recent crackdown in Belarus on independent online media is only "the dress rehearsal" before the presidential election this November.
Crimean IT Industry Wilts Under Western Sanctions

Western sanctions come at a high cost to IT-professionals and citizens in disputed Crimea, as companies like Apple and Google are blocking access to their services.
Stop the Music: Spotify Cancels Launch in Russia

Spotify is leaving Russia in response to the economic crisis, the political situation, and the draconian Internet laws.
Intel Shuts Down Its Russian-Language Developer Forums

Intel's decision could create an important precedent, showing how easily new RuNet regulations spill into seemingly innocuous blogging activities.
Russia’s Largest Social Network Now More Popular Among Young People Than Any Website or TV Channel

Could Russians, if they spared more time for information instead of entertainment, make better use of online social networks' superior access to unfiltered news? Not necessary.
The Internet Economy In Russia Is Slowing Down, Hampered by Crisis and Hostile Laws

Although Russia’s Internet economy appears to be growing, a close look at recent trends suggests that it's slowing down under the weight of the country’s economic crisis and draconian legislation.
Building an Internet Fast Lane in Russia Could Be a Great Way to Stifle Independent Media

In Russia, where the online space for independent media is fast shrinking, the prospect of ending net neutrality and filtering Internet content poses significant dangers.
Here's Why Mail.Ru's Complete Control Over VKontakte Is Bad News

Russia’s Internet group Mail.ru has acquired the remaining stake in VKontakte, and is now the sole owner of the biggest social network in the country.
Russian Email Giants Yandex and Mail.Ru Bleed Passwords, Deny Hacking

Russia's largest email services, Yandex and Mail.Ru, were both hit with password leaks, resulting in millions of passwords published online, but denied their servers had been hacked.
Looking to Get Away? Do It Patriotically, With Russia's Upcoming Booking.com Clone.

As Russia turns inward, the country has sought national alternatives to goods and services that are generally Western-dominated. Moving ahead, Russia faces the dangers of breaking this dependence too quickly.
Russia Just Doubled Its Internet Surveillance Program

At first glance, "SORM 2.0" seems redundant, but the reform of police surveillance online could vastly expand the reach of the Kremlin.