Recent data reveal that a majority of Russians, about 62.5 percent, do not use virtual private networks (VPNs). In contrast, roughly 22 percent actively rely on VPN apps, while around 41.5 percent express concerns about their safety. This snapshot comes from a collaboration between the Regional Public Center for Internet Technologies, ROCIT, and the survey platform V-Project, which together explored how Russians perceive VPNs, how widely they are used, and the level of trust people place in these tools.
The survey shows that 22.5 percent of respondents consider VPN services safe, whereas a sizable share, 36 percent, could not provide a clear assessment or offered uncertain responses about safety. This hesitation highlights a nuanced view among users who recognize potential benefits but remain wary of privacy and security implications.
Analysts note that many Russians favor VPNs to access content that is blocked domestically. The majority rely on VPNs to reach social networks, with about 60.3 percent indicating usage for this purpose, and 33.9 percent using them to bypass media blocks. Access to entertainment content also appears limited, as 21.8 percent use VPNs to download films and music. A smaller portion uses these tools for work—roughly 18.1 percent—and a similar share, 17.4 percent, to maintain network anonymity for various online activities.
At the same time, ROCIT experts point out that VPN inefficiencies are affecting the online experiences of users who encounter blocked resources. A notable 38.6 percent report reduced access to popular platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, which are restricted due to their owners being designated as extremist entities or related regulatory actions. On the flip side, 18 percent say VPN use does not impede their access, suggesting a segment of users who experience no practical barrier when navigating these restrictions.
On the other end of the spectrum, a sizable portion of respondents, 40.2 percent, report using VPN services on a daily basis. Fewer people engage with VPNs a few times per week or a few times per month, and a small group uses VPNs less than once a month. These patterns illustrate a diverse set of habits, from routine protection to occasional circumvention, shaped by personal needs and the regulatory environment.
Free VPN services dominate the market, with about 73.2 percent of participants choosing no-cost options. In contrast, only 7.3 percent of respondents tend to rely on paid VPN services with greater regularity, indicating price sensitivity and perceived value play pivotal roles in user decisions when it comes to protecting online privacy and accessing restricted content.
Commenting on the study, a ROCIT chair emphasized that many Russians use VPNs not only to reach blocked social networks but also to bypass external blocks placed by foreign site owners for political reasons or to respond to pressure from unfriendly governments. This observation underscores a broader behavior where VPNs serve both personal privacy and circumvention goals rather than a single protective purpose.
In light of these findings, ROCIT leaders stress the importance of establishing a verified pool of reliable VPN services that comply with Russian law and assure users of robust data protection and personal information safeguards. They argue that the objective is not a blanket prohibition but rather a careful, regulated approach to ensure trustworthy options are available, while safeguards are in place to address security and privacy concerns.
There is a clear message from the study: the landscape is complex, with many users balancing the desire for unrestricted access against legitimate security considerations. The research involved seven thousand respondents aged eighteen and older from across the country, offering a broad view of contemporary usage patterns and attitudes toward VPN technology.