The May blocks affected a much broader range of topics than online casinos and pro-Russian media. The list of restricted sites included online pharmacies (for the first time in such numbers), alcohol stores, services with fake certificates, and social media account traders.
The May blocks affected a much broader range of topics than online casinos and pro-Russian media. The list of restricted sites included online pharmacies (for the first time in such numbers), alcohol stores, services with fake certificates, and social media account traders.
According to Uablocklist , over 100 websites were blocked in Ukraine last month.
After a record number of online casino blockings in March (32,000 domains), the pace slowed down - in May 58 gambling sites were restricted. The decisions were made by both the National Security and Defense Council, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the State Special Communications Service based on operational data.
17 pro-Russian resources were blocked, not only with .ru domains, but also Western ones: from Poland (Do Rzeczy, W Polityce) and Switzerland (Uncut-News.ch, Transition News). Access to a number of regional sites, including tavria.tv and hersonka.ru, which served an audience in the occupied and front-line territories, was also restricted.
As many as 16 online pharmacy sites were included in the list for the first time. The probable reason is the sale of prescription drugs without proper control or violation of licensing requirements.
Another 7 sites sold alcohol and tobacco , most likely in violation of excise or age laws. The online vape store Tipok was also blocked, which may indicate increased control over the online sale of nicotine-containing products.
Among the blocked sites offering fake documents for traveling abroad were Facebook accounts and advertising accounts. Such resources are usually used in fraudulent schemes or to bypass moderation on social networks.
Unexpectedly, the site kadastr , related to land registries, was added to the list. There is no official explanation yet, but analysts speculate that the reason is a potential cybersecurity threat or a leak of personal data.
