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RandomFactor [soylentnews.org] writes:

Thousands rallied in Moscow to protest a bill in parliament that would route all internet traffic through servers in Russia [newsok.com].

Protestors fear this bill would

lead to widespread internet censorship for Russian users.

[make] virtual private networks (VPNs) ineffective

It is always easier to manage a powergrab of this sort if you can blame RussiaAmerica so the official line is:

the bill is intended to address concerns that Russia could be cut off if the United States applies a new cybersecurity doctrine in an offensive maneuver

conversely

Critics say the bill would create an internet firewall similar to China's.

It also makes a remarkably convenient surveillance choke point, which saves on costs.

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