Slashdot Mirror
Russia Cracks Down On Public Wi-Fi; Oracle Blocks Java Downloads In Russia
Linking to a story at Reuters, reader WilliamGeorge writes "Russia is further constraining access to the internet and freedom of speech, with new laws regarding public use of WiFi. Nikolai Nikiforov, the Russian Communications Minister, tweeted that "Identification of users (via bank cards, cell phone numbers, etc.) with access to public Wifi is a worldwide practice." This comes on top of their actions recently to block websites of political opponents to Russian president Vladimir Putin, require registration of prominent bloggers, and more. The law was put into effect with little notice and without the input of Russian internet providers. Sergei Plugotarenko, head of the Russian Electronic Communications Association, said "It was unexpected, signed in such a short time and without consulting us." He added, "We will hope that this restrictive tendency stops at some point because soon won't there be anything left to ban." In addition to the ID requirement to use WiFi, the new law also requires companies to declare who is using their web networks and calls for Russian websites to store their data on servers located in Russia starting in 2016."
That's not the only crackdown in progress, though: former Slashdot code-wrestler Vlad Kulchitski notes that Russian users are being blocked from downloading Java with an error message that reads, in essence, "You are in a country on which there is embargo; you cannot download JAVA." Readers at Hacker News note the same, though comments there indicate that the block may rely on a " specific and narrow IP-block," rather than being widespread. If you're reading this from Russia, what do you find?
"The stick" only works when the donkey can see a future where it won't be beaten.
Who cares about Russia. Those stinking child-murderers will all go to hell. They voted for Putin, who killed infants in MH17.
Fuck Russia.
Fuck Russians.
Fuck Putin.
Yes, we eat children for breakfast, then drink their blood.
absolutely wrong, this is about spheres of influence and by definition imperialism. ... no idea, who knows what US policy is
US / NATO support and intervene in the breakup of Yugoslavia by bombing Serbia, to increase their sphere of influence
Basque in Spain want independence, not supported
Ireland independence, not supported, UK backed to continue military occupation.
Syria support uprising, but not too much, 'cause the new mob probably doesn't like US
Egypt support
Iraq / Afghanistan invaded to increase US sphere of influence, the fact it back fired does not change the intent.
give me an example of a moral US intervention that came at the expense of American, sphere of influence and/or interests.
I think you are naive to think you are on the side of good battling evil, your side maybe lighter shade of grey and the other darker shade of grey. but don't let that stop you, as you do "good" I'm sure a lot of people in Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam appreciate the good done to them.