Russia's social media shutdowns have cost the country’s economy $861 million in 2022.
The findings, by the independent research firm Top10VPN.com, also show that the economic impact of Russia’s online cuts exceeds that of all other countries.
The Kremlin’s first recent cut targets were Western social media companies. Russia’s government restricted access to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Last year, before the special operation in Ukraine, the economic impact of Russia’s media cut was negligible. According to Top10VPN.com, it only amounted to $1 million, while in 2020 Russia didn’t even make the list.
Russians continue to find a way by using virtual private networks (VPNs) and encrypted messaging apps. Russians have also embraced the “dark web,” a type of encrypted network whose content is unlisted by search engines and can only be accessed through special software.
Kazakhstan was No. 2 on the list with $430 million in economic impact so far this year from cuts, which included shutting down the internet following days of protests after the government lifted a cap on the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
Myanmar followed with $185 million after its government shut down the web to impede pro-democracy protests.
