2026-04-06 16:00
publication
2026-04-06 16:00
Russian Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev said that the Kremlin intends to further restrict the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), thanks to which millions of Russians bypass Internet control and censorship, Reuters reported.
“The task is to limit the use of VPNs,” the minister wrote on the state-owned MAX messenger.
He informed that a decision had been made to restrict access to numerous unidentified foreign platforms. However, he did not provide details.
Following a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia adopted the most repressive media laws since the USSR, introducing de facto censorship and strengthening the influence of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
However, in recent months, state authorities have gone much further: they have blocked WhatsApp, slowed down Telegram and repeatedly blocked mobile internet in Moscow and other cities and regions.
The Kremlin argues that foreign platforms do not comply with the law, and restrictions on mobile internet are necessary to counteract massive attacks by Ukrainian drones.
By mid-January, Russia had blocked over 400 VPN networks, a 70% increase. more than in the last weeks of the previous year. But as soon as authorities disable one VPN, another one appears, and many young Russians switch their VPNs every day, Reuters reported.
Internet providers are supposed to block access to VPN devices
The Ministry of Digital Development of Russia has instructed national Internet providers to block access to the network to people who have a VPN service on their devices that allows them to bypass censorship, the Meduza website reported on Monday.
According to the website, the ministry warned that companies that do not comply with the recommendations may lose their accreditation.
Minister Maksut Shadayev demanded that companies restrict access to users with VPNs by April 15. Otherwise, companies may lose their IT accreditation, the portal reported.
The Ministry of Digital Development instructed companies not only to block users using VPN networks, but also to help them find services that the telecommunications market regulator Roskomnadzor had not previously identified or restricted. (PAP)
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