Russia’s Digital Ministry announced plans to selectively block VPN services starting in the Spring of 2024, refuting earlier concerns that all VPNs might face a blanket ban. The decision comes as part of the country’s broader efforts to restrict its internet following the complete invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Reuters originally reported that there were fears that the use of all VPN services in Russia could be banned, but the Digital Ministry clarified that a commission would evaluate and decide which VPN services pose a danger and warrant blocking. This move is seen as an attempt to address concerns and assure the public that VPN usage will not be entirely impossible.
The increased popularity of VPNs in Russia can be attributed to the government’s efforts to decouple the country’s internet from the rest of the world. This trend intensified after Russian troops invaded Ukraine, leading to a surge in VPN installations, particularly following the blocking of Facebook and Instagram. Meta, the parent company of these platforms, was classified as “extremist.”
The Russian government aims to implement VPN blocking measures from March 1, 2024. While the specifics of the plan were initially unclear, the government has emphasized that the use of VPN services will not be criminalized. The focus appears to be on targeting specific services that are deemed problematic, rather than imposing a blanket ban on all VPNs.
Overall, Russia is already among the top ten countries for VPN providers, reflecting the increasing global significance of these services in navigating online restrictions and ensuring privacy and access to information. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how the government’s approach to VPN regulation will impact internet freedom and access in the country.
