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Russian telecom regulator, Roskomnadzor, recently blocked thousands of websites using Cloudflare’s Encrypted Client Hello (ECH) privacy feature, which protects user data during secure connections.
The move, implemented overnight on October 6, is part of Russia’s efforts to limit access to certain online content, by discouraging site owners from using Cloudflare’s content delivery network (CDN) services. Roskomnadzor claims that ECH allows users to bypass restrictions on access to prohibited information, which violates Russian law.
The agency suggested that website operators turn to domestic CDN services, though it’s unclear whether there are legal penalties for non-compliance. Cloudflare’s services, used by about 44% of the CDN market in Russia, have allowed Russian citizens to access restricted content, such as the independent news site Meduza. The blockage in question comes on top of previous actions by Russia, including requests to remove VPNs from the App Store and blocking Western social networks and media outlets.
Cloudflare, unlike some tech companies, initially continued to offer its services in Russia after the invasion, citing the need for better internet access. However, it has stopped its services for customers under US sanctions. Despite Russia’s desire to create an isolated internet and prioritize domestic technology alternatives, this transition is hampered by high costs and a lack of local technology infrastructure.
