Yuri Lindre, expert analyst at the Center, held a lecture on the main trends in Internet development and regulation in Russia and worldwide, pointing out the key features of the World Wide Web’s transformation from a territory of limitless freedom into an environment of tight control within many national jurisdictions. Particular attention was paid to the techniques of targeted influence on people’s minds used in the interests of digital platforms (i.e., for establishing behavioral patterns and shaping ideological attitudes); the means of identifying such influence and protecting people from external manipulation were also covered. The lecture concluded with a discussion on the risks associated with excessive collection of user data creating a so-called “digital footprint,” a practice that is well established among ecosystems and certain services; the need to develop people’s critical awareness of their online behavior was stressed as well.

The I All-Russian Internet Security School took place on October 20–23 in Moscow Oblast. Participants developed skills in detecting digital threats, studied the ways to protect themselves against those, gained valuable insights into the processes of building and introducing IT startups, and learned more about positive content creation as well as tips for developing a personal brand online.