Russia; Dating sites and security cameras threaten national security

[Akira Urushibata]

We have heard of the risks of PCs, mobile phones and "intellegent"
household devices equipped with a combination of camera, microphone,
internet link and non-free software being turned into surveillance
devices which may bring unpleasant consequences to their unsuspecting
owners.  The worst fears are suddenly becoming reality for the
least-expected of men: Russians dealing with the recent Ukrainian
incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Russian authorities are urging citizens in Kursk, Bryansk and Belogrod
to avoid dating sites and turn off security cameras connected to the
web.  They believe that Ukrainian agents are tapping into the Russian
internet and collecting information which may help their activities in
the region.

Private security cameras set up by citizens are known to inadverently
capture the movement of armored vehicles and military trucks.  The
authorities want these devices turned off.

A strong message has been issued discouraging people from accessing
dating sites, claiming that Ukrainian military intelligence is
gathering information from them.

I don't understand how a belligerent military force can collect useful
information from dating sites.  It should be also noted that while the
authorities understand that the dating sites have been infilterated,
they are not shutting them down completely.  Why are the draconian
measures characteristic of Putin's regime not being employed this
time?

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Don't Use Dating Sites Amid Kursk Incursion, Russia Tells Border
Region Residents
The Moscow Times 
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/08/20/dont-use-dating-sites-amid-kursk-incursion-russia-tells-border-region-residents-a86079

 ...

 "The use of online dating services is strongly discouraged. The enemy
 is actively using them to gather information," the spokesperson was
 quoted as saying by Interfax.

 The warnings - issued to residents of the Bryansk, Kursk and Belgorod
 regions - also advised against using security cameras.

 "The enemy is identifying IP address ranges in our territories,
 remotely accessing unprotected security cameras, monitoring
 everything from private yards to strategic roads and highways," the
 Interior Ministry spokesperson said. "Unless necessary, it is better
 not to use security cameras."

 ...

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Quit dating apps, Russia tells border region citizens over security fears | CNN 
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/08/21/world/russia-dating-apps-border-intl/index.html

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Russians in Kursk region told not to use dating apps 
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/08/20/russians-in-kursk-told-not-to-use-dating-apps/