February 13, 2023

AI Will Watch You


AI Will Watch You
Server room of BalticServers
BalticServers, Wikimedia Commons

Russian authorities plan to use artificial intelligence to search for "prohibited information" and "points of information tension" on the Russian-language internet (aka RuNet).

Journalists at Vazhnye Istoriyi discovered the plans courtesy of Belorussian hackers's attack on the Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media and a subsequent leak of over two million internal documents from the service.

According to Vazhnye Istoriyi, the Russian authorities are planning an operation code-named "Vepr" (Wild Boar), which will use AI technology to analyze publications on the Russian-language internet, rooting out negative information about the Russian president, top officials of state and governmental entities, and content that can "discredit traditional values," "destabilize the socio-political situation," "manipulate public opinion," or "polarize society."

Journalists discovered a list of over a hundred topics that the system may track, including "LGBT propaganda," critics of the environmental situation in Russia, and mentions of independent media like The Project, Radio Liberty, or The Insider. According to Mediazona, the list of topics also includes drug addiction and "offensive art actions."

The Vepr program is to launch by the end of 2024, but the war in Ukraine may be accelerating plans: Vazhnyye Istorii found a letter from a Russian official who said it is difficult to predict the exact deadlines, due to sanctions and a lack of personnel. 

In 2022, hundreds of thousands of IT specialists left Russia. And, due to the difficult economic situation and increasing international isolation, ​​Russian authorities have reduced AI development funding.

You Might Also Like

Game Over
  • January 30, 2023

Game Over

The Russian government has asked the prosecutor's office to create a list of banned video games.
Meduza Declared Undesirable
  • January 27, 2023

Meduza Declared Undesirable

On January 26, Russia’s Prosecutor General declared the popular publication Meduza an “undesirable” organization.
Dangerous Dreams
  • December 23, 2022

Dangerous Dreams

Russians are being fined for their dreams, "likes," and "silent support."
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Little Golden Calf
February 01, 2010

Little Golden Calf

Our edition of The Little Golden Calf, one of the greatest Russian satires ever, is the first new translation of this classic novel in nearly fifty years. It is also the first unabridged, uncensored English translation ever, and is 100% true to the original 1931 serial publication in the Russian journal 30 Dnei. Anne O. Fisher’s translation is copiously annotated, and includes an introduction by Alexandra Ilf, the daughter of one of the book’s two co-authors.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955