When the Internet Goes Dark: Lessons in Emergency Communication Resilience

Russian authorities routinely restrict mobile internet and cellular service during Ukrainian drone and missile attacks, saying the move prevents drones from using networks for navigation. However, digital rights experts say these shutdowns also disrupt Telegram alerts, emergency apps and other digital warning systems that residents depend on for safety information.

In several regions, the problem is compounded because authorities have chosen not to activate air raid sirens, leaving people reliant on digital alerts that may be delayed or unavailable when internet access is cut. A Russian cyberlawyer noted that while emergency warnings are meant to reach people through many channels, including SMS, push notifications, television, radio, sirens and official Telegram accounts, most of these become unreliable once mobile internet is restricted.

Recent incidents illustrate the consequences. During a drone strike on an electrical plant in Izhevsk, no siren sounded and internet disruptions blocked Telegram warnings; three people were killed and 35 injured. Similarly, during a major attack over a recent election weekend, authorities reportedly skipped sirens and SMS alerts entirely. Digital rights group Na Svyazi noted that while communication restrictions did not stop the attacks, timely warnings could have prevented casualties.