Russia Tightens VPN Controls: Proposals to Block Dozens More Services
Russia is moving to extend its controls on virtual private networks by proposing restrictions on more than 50 VPN services. Senator Artem Sheikin, who serves as the deputy chairman of the council for the development of the digital economy under the Federation Council, said he submitted the request to Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications regulator, as reported by RIA News. The goal is to curb access to online resources that are blocked within the Russian Federation, aligning with a broader effort to regulate cross-border online activity and protect the state from perceived digital threats.
Through these measures, Russian officials aim to reduce the reach of services that enable users to bypass domestic censorship. In recent years, the regime has highlighted VPNs as a channel for accessing information and platforms that are restricted inside Russia. The proposals reflect a continuing legal and regulatory strategy that relies on technical blocking methods to enforce policy. Roskomnadzor has already blocked a substantial number of VPN services; estimates suggest that the regulator has blocked nearly 200 VPN providers since 2021, illustrating the scale of enforcement in this sector.
Officials emphasize a standard blocking approach: restricting access to VPN servers by targeting their domain names or IP addresses. This method is currently the most widely deployed tactic to disrupt VPN traffic and hinder the ability of users to connect to foreign networks from within Russia. The approach is part of a broader framework intended to curb anonymity or circumvention tools that could undermine domestic information controls. The ongoing emphasis on domain and IP blocking points to a preference for surgical, technically precise measures rather than sweeping, indiscriminate restrictions.
Alexander Khinshtein, deputy chairman of the State Duma Information Policy Committee, weighed in on the issue by clarifying that using a VPN is not illegal in Russia, but it remains a personal choice. He described VPN software as a mechanism that can divert traffic across national borders, effectively enabling access to information beyond the country’s borders. He also highlighted concerns that many VPN services collect user data and may share such information with third parties, underscoring potential privacy risks associated with these tools. This framing mirrors a broader debate about the balance between individual digital rights and state-led information security objectives.
These regulatory and political positions come amid ongoing discussions about how best to manage online freedoms while safeguarding national interests. Advocates of tighter VPN controls argue that blocking VPNs helps prevent the spread of disinformation, protects critical infrastructure, and maintains the integrity of the information space within national lines. Critics counter that aggressive restrictions can impede legitimate privacy protections, hinder business operations, and complicate access to unbiased information for researchers, journalists, and the public. The tension between security and openness continues to shape policy in this area, with frequent debates about proportionality, enforcement, and the potential for unintended consequences.
For users outside Russia who rely on VPNs for privacy, security, or content access, the evolving Russian stance underscores a broader global trend: many governments are reexamining how VPNs fit into national regulatory frameworks. In other jurisdictions, policymakers weigh similar considerations—privacy rights, law enforcement access, and the impact on international commerce and innovation. The current Russian discourse serves as a case study in how state actors attempt to regulate digital tools that cross borders, and it highlights the importance of understanding the legal and operational landscape for VPN services in different regions. In practical terms, users should stay informed about changes in policy, understand the terms of service of VPN providers, and consider how regulatory shifts could affect access, data handling, and service reliability. The conversation around VPNs remains dynamic, with ongoing developments likely to influence both user behavior and provider strategies in the months ahead. This update reflects the perspective of the Russian regulator and lawmakers, who emphasize the need to balance access with security as the internet evolves within national borders.
Overall, the situation underscores a critical point for digital users and businesses alike: regulatory environments shape how tools for securing privacy and navigating information flow are deployed. As authorities review and expand their enforcement capabilities, users should be mindful of the changing risk landscape, including potential service interruptions, data privacy considerations, and the broader implications for digital life in Russia and beyond. The topic continues to evolve as policy makers, industry stakeholders, and the public assess the best paths to protect both information security and personal privacy while maintaining a stable digital economy. The discussion remains ongoing, with updates expected as new measures are proposed and implemented by the regulator and the legislative branches involved in digital policy in Russia.
Attribution: This overview reflects reporting from Roskomnadzor and contemporary statements from Russian officials regarding VPN regulation.