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NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association Beyond Global Waves

In this episode of Beyond Global Waves, NEXUS-IBA investigates Russia's new wave of internet censorship known as the '16KB Curtain', a calculated form of infrastructural censorship targeting websites hosted by Cloudflare, OVH, Hetzner, and DigitalOcean. Since June 2025, major Russian ISPs, including Rostelecom, MTS, and Vimpelcom, have been throttling internet traffic by severing connections after only 16 kilobytes of data, creating the illusion of access while disabling functionality. This measure disrupts web browsing, API communication, and online payments, affecting everything from HTTP/1.1 to HTTP/3 over QUIC. By weaponising network protocols, Russia effectively censors foreign websites and independent media while advancing digital sovereignty.



As discussed in the podcast, technical solutions like reverse proxy setups, including WorldDirector by NEXUS-IBA, have mitigated disruptions for some international users; however, most businesses must now reconsider their cloud infrastructure or exit the Russian market. This episode examines how the 16KB Curtain marks a new frontier in state-level internet interference, posing a challenge to the neutrality, accessibility, and resilience of the global internet. With implications for cybersecurity, digital rights, and freedom of information, the podcast urges media professionals, tech providers, and policymakers to take note of this escalating strategy of digital isolation.

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