Biden Needs to Protect Russian Internet Access, Groups Warn

Civil society groups are urging the Biden administration to safeguard internet providers in Russia from sanctions, warning that damaging web access would isolate dissidents and strengthen the Kremlin.

Sanctions are fueling an exodus of internet companies from Russia, such as Cogent Inc. and Lumen Technologies Inc., wrote groups including the Center for Democracy & Technology, which receives funding from many technology giants. Microsoft Corp. and NetScout Systems, Inc. have also halted much of their Russia-based business, citing sanctions.