critical infrastructure lab

Up to Spec: TSPU & Russia’s National Internet Filtering System, by Dmitry Kuznetsov

Russia’s national internet filtering system places centrally controlled inspection equipment inside privately operated networks. This report examines how TSPU (Technical Means of Countering Threats) combines deep packet inspection with legal mandates, licensing requirements, public investment, and domestic technology suppliers to sustain state control over internet access.

Drawing on regulatory documents, procurement records, operator accounts, industry discussions, and independent network measurements, the report explains how filtering works, how it changes operator autonomy, and how blocking, throttling, and approved-access lists affect users. It examines the pressures on circumvention services, including app distribution and payment barriers, and the integration of filtering with surveillance and network-security functions.

Written for civil society organisations, advocates, and researchers, the report also considers the cross-border effects of Russian filtering and the potential replication of its institutional model elsewhere. It identifies opportunities for action through standards governance, procurement accountability, independent measurement, and early warning of regulatory changes.