Hello,

Today, in collaboration with RKS Global, OONI co-published a *new research report on the systematic suppression of independent media in Russia*.

Our findings are based on OONI data analysis and interviews with 15 independent Russian news media organizations.

Read our report in: * *English*: https://ooni.org/post/2024-russia-report/ * *Russian*: https://ooni.org/ru/post/2024-russia-report/

Our analysis of OONI data from Russia shows pervasive levels of news media censorship.

We automatically confirmed the blocking of 279 news media domains -- including foreign and numerous independent Russian news media websites.

Most blocks are implemented by means of TLS interference. As we observe the same pattern of TLS level interference in the vast majority of measurements collected from numerous networks during the same date range, OONI data suggests that these news media blocks are likely centrally managed by Roskomnadzor through the use of TSPU.

Through interviews, independent Russian media organizations shared the following main challenges: * Financial and security challenges * Reduced ability to cover events in Russia * Partial loss of Russian audiences * Growing self-censorship * Closure of media organizations

Despite the challenges, independent Russian media organizations remain resilient. The increased threats strengthened solidarity and cooperation among media outlets, and they have demonstrated a high level of adaptation to circumvent blocks and reach their audiences. Yet, international support is needed to strengthen the fight for press freedom in Russia.

We document many more findings, which we encourage you to read through our report: https://ooni.org/post/2024-russia-report/ https://ooni.org/ru/post/2024-russia-report/

We thank OONI Probe users for contributing measurements, and we thank those who participated in interviews. <3

~ OONI team.