"Russia's Surveillance Tech Fuels Crackdown on Ukraine War Dissent"

Russia is developing a thriving industry of digital surveillance tools to suppress dissent against the war in Ukraine, with the potential for these technologies to be sold overseas. The tools, developed by tech contractors, provide the police and Russia's Federal Security Service with extensive snooping capabilities, including tracking activity on encrypted apps, monitoring phone locations, identifying anonymous social media users, and breaking into accounts. President Putin is increasingly relying on technology to maintain political control as Russia faces military setbacks, economic sanctions, and internal challenges. The proliferation of these surveillance tools raises concerns about the erosion of privacy and the potential for autocratic regimes to gain control over online activities.