Russia Set to Enforce 24-Hour Blackout on Inactive SIM Cards to Enhance Security Measures

Russia is set to implement a 24-hour blackout for domestic SIM cards that have not been used for over three days or have just returned from international roaming, according to a report by the business newspaper Kommersant, which cites sources within the telecommunications sector.

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

This initiative is intended to prevent automated systems, such as drones, from utilizing the mobile network to carry out attacks on Russian soil.

Details regarding the exact start date for the 24-hour blackout have not been specified.

However, subscribers will have the option to reduce the blackout duration by undergoing a verification process via text message, Kommersant noted.

This proposed restriction follows a similar 24-hour blackout imposed on foreign SIM cards just a month ago.

Telecom specialists have indicated to Kommersant that while the new regulation for domestic SIM cards will offer greater flexibility, there may still be unavoidable disruptions during the initial adjustment phase.

Mobile internet outages have increasingly become a standard security measure in Russia in response to this year’s drone attacks linked to Ukraine.

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