Russias New 24-Hour Internet Blackout for Inactive SIM Cards: A Security Measure Amid Drone Threats

Russia is set to implement a 24-hour blackout period for domestic SIM cards that have not been used for over three days or have just returned from international roaming, as reported by the business newspaper Kommersant on Friday, citing sources from the telecom industry.

During this «cooling-off period,» mobile internet access and text messaging will be temporarily suspended.

This action aims to prevent the use of the mobile network by automated or unmanned systems, such as drones, for attacks on Russian soil.

The timeline for when this 24-hour blackout will commence remains unclear.

However, subscribers can reduce the duration of the blackout by verifying their accounts via text message, according to Kommersant.

This forthcoming restriction follows a similar measure imposed a month prior for foreign SIM cards.

Telecom experts told Kommersant that the new regulations for Russian SIM cards would offer greater flexibility, though they cautioned that some disruptions might be inevitable during the initial rollout.

In light of Ukrainian drone attacks this year, mobile internet blackouts have become a standard security protocol across Russia.

To lessen the impact of these shutdowns, Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media has created a «white list» of vital domestic services that will remain operational during such interruptions.