Russia Blocks US Speedtest Over Internet Security Threats

Russia's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has blocked access to Speedtest, a popular internet speed testing tool operated by U.S.-based Ookla, citing threats to the security and stability of Russia's public communications networks and the domestic internet segment. The agency alleges that Speedtest collects detailed data on Russian communications infrastructure that could potentially be exploited by U.S. intelligence agencies to facilitate cyberattacks, a concern supported by Russia's Federal Security Service and industry think tanks. Russian authorities have previously fined Ookla for violating data localization laws, reinforcing distrust toward the service. As part of a broader push for digital sovereignty intensified since the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Roskomnadzor recommends switching to a domestic alternative called ProSet, although the app has seen limited adoption and criticism over its reliability. This blocking is part of a wider pattern of Russia enhancing control over its internet infrastructure, including restricting foreign tech companies and increasing censorship capabilities. The move has also coincided with ongoing mobile internet outages and declining connection speeds across various Russian regions.