Innovate and Spread Ways to Evade Internet Controls. Activists and media organizations are already exploring methods to circumvent Russia’s throttling of social media and internet-enabled news sources, for example by expanding VPN education and availability. But more can be done. Those who take up this challenge should establish discreet discussions where they can coordinate their efforts without betraying aspects that would allow Russian authorities to counter them. This is particularly important to make sure the younger generation of Russians, who rely on the internet for news and communication, retain their connection to the outside world.

Think Beyond the Internet. Russian authorities are steadily restricting internet access, and there has even been discussion of Russia removing itself from the global internet altogether. Moreover, the Russian demographic that most needs convincing is the older generation that does not rely on the internet for its information. Reaching them will require more than just internet-enabled methods. Radio, such as Voice of America and the BBC Russian service can play a role here, as can old-fashioned phone calls. Maybe smuggled flash drives, as used in North Korea. And for this more traditionalist group, content and tone will be just as important as the medium. Russians will best understand how to handle this.