Latest posts by Tanya Lokot from November, 2015
Russia Considers Tougher Restrictions on Mobile SIM-Card Sales
You already need a passport to buy a prepaid SIM-card in Russia, but regulators want to further restrict SIM-card sales, citing security reasons and the increasing "terrorist threat."
New Ukrainian Police Banned from Using Russian Social Networks
VKontakte and Odnoklassniki, the top Russian social network sites hugely popular in Ukraine, are now off limits for Ukrainian police officers.
Ukrainian Men's Travel Ban News Debunked as Fake by Military
"Santa Claus will not be paying a visit to those who spread rumors and unverified information."
New Bill Urges Ban on WhatsApp and Google for Russian Officials
Banning the use of foreign services such as Google, Yahoo!, and WhatApp for Russian state officials is key to preserving confidentiality of state secrets, says one Russian lawmaker.
Russian Lawmaker Suggests Banning Telegram Messenger ‘Because It's Used by ISIS’
Should Telegram be banned because it's used by extremist organizations such as ISIS? One Russian lawmaker believes it should, but plenty of others in Russia disagree.
Russia Changes Its Mind, Asks Twitter to Store Russian User Data Locally
Previously, Roscomnadzor had said Twitter was exempt from the norms of the data localization law as the kind of user data Twitter collects did not qualify as “personal information."
Russia's Internet Watchdog May Soon Get More Extrajudicial Website Blocking Powers
Roscomnadzor can already make websites unavailable for Russian users without a court order, but they remain available to users outside Russia—something the new, broader mandate could end.
New Platform Provides Grassroots Organizing Opportunities for Ukraine's Urbanites
The online platform called "Zhyteli" (Dwellers) is aimed at arming urbanites with the tools to communicate with their neighbors more effectively about anything from utilities prices to major renovations.
Russian Performance Artist Detained for Setting Fire to Federal Security Service HQ
Pavlensky, known for hard-hitting and sometimes shocking performance art, said setting fire to the doors was a symbolic act highlighting the "constant terror methods" used by the FSB against citizens.
Protest Activity On the Rise In Russia, Study Finds
The overall protest activity in Russia recorded by the experts grew almost 15 percent compared to the first half of 2014.
Social Media Users Factcheck Mainstream News Coverage of Russian Plane Crash in Egypt
When a Russian couple found their Instagram photo splashed over the evening television news as "Sinai plane crash victims," they went on a social media quest to debunk the error.
