Russians Protest Internet Restrictions in Moscow

MOSCOW — Dozens of Russians queued outside the presidential administration building in central Moscow on a recent sunny spring weekend, filing formal complaints under the watchful eyes of nearby police about the government's escalating restrictions on internet access. The gathering highlighted mounting public discontent with measures that include frequent shutdowns of mobile data connections, blocks on popular messaging apps and barriers to thousands of websites and services.

The restrictions, which officials attribute to efforts to disrupt Ukrainian drones navigating via Russian networks amid the ongoing four-year conflict, have severely disrupted everyday activities. Residents report difficulties ordering taxis, making electronic payments, receiving deliveries and communicating with loved ones. Businesses have also suffered, with leaders urging a more targeted approach rather than broad shutdowns affecting even remote areas untouched by drone threats.

For years, Russian authorities have pursued greater control over the internet, blocking tens of thousands of non-compliant sites, apps and social platforms. Users have increasingly relied on virtual private networks, or VPNs, to...