2026-03-12 | UPDATES #143 | What does it say about the state of mind in the Putin regime, that it has started normalising communications blackouts in its own capital? This is where Russia is now – internet shutdowns in the centre of Moscow have become daily occurrences. Is it to do with war security, as the regime claims, or is it to do with fears of a coup, circulating as rumours? Over the past week, Moscow, St Petersburg, and other Russian cities have seen repeated mobile internet outages, with residents reporting they could not load apps, call taxis, access websites, complete payments, or sometimes even place normal calls. On March 10, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the shutdowns were real, saying they were being imposed for security reasons and were being carried out “in strict compliance with current legislation.” A day later, the Kremlin doubled down, saying the restrictions would last “as long as necessary” for public safety. That is the official story: security. But in Russia, “security” is a broad and opaque explanation. It comes with the hint and shadow of the feared security and intelligence services, the successors to the KGB. And increasingly, it is a method for switching off normal life.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Reuters, March 10, 2026 — Kremlin says Moscow mobile internet outages are done for sake of security.Meduza, March 10, 2026 — The Kremlin says it’s cutting off mobile Internet access for security reasons. Muscovites say they’re resigning themselves to regular blackouts. The Guardian, March 12, 2026 — Unexplained Moscow internet blackouts spark fears of web censorship plan. Kyiv Independent, March 11, 2026 — Fact-check: Moscow internet outages spark coup rumors — experts say it's 'wishful thinking'. Reuters, September 5, 2025 — Russia lists local apps that will survive its internet blackouts. Reuters, February 12, 2026 — Russia fully blocks WhatsApp, talks up state-backed alternative. President of Russia / Kremlin website, February 20, 2026 — law requiring telecom providers to suspend services at the FSB’s request. ----------