Russia Set to Block VPN Access by 2024, According to Lawmaker

From March 2024, Russia is planning to block access to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This is according to a claim by a Russian lawmaker. The action targets technologies aiding people in surpassing state propaganda controls. This also applies to accessing external news and online content.

Roskomnadzor’s New Directive

Roskomnadzor, the nation’s communication watchdog, is reportedly leading this initiative. A senator from the governing United Russia party informed that the agency aims to block VPN access from the first day of March next year.

The move follows increased demand for VPN services after Moscow limited access to Western social media platforms.

Previous Regulations and the Rising Demand for VPNs

In 2017, the Russian government enacted a regulation banning VPN use. Despite this sanction, statistics indicate a significant number of Russian users persisted in downloading VPNs.

The 2022 invasion of Ukraine by President Vladimir Putin led to Moscow curbing access to Western social media, which contributed to soaring VPN usage.

Impending Block on VPNs

Senator Artem Sheikin announced that an impending order from Roskomnadzor envisioned to take effect from March 1, 2024, aims to block VPN services. This news about VPNs is poised to curtail VPN services that offer access to websites barred in Russia.

Specific Targets of the Block

Sheikin emphasized the need to block access to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. As Meta earned recognition as an extremist organization, Russia perceives the service as a threat. Instagram, expressly mentioned by Sheikin, will also be under the realm of this order due to its prohibition in the state.

Contextual Controversies

In March 2022, Russia instigated legal action against Meta when the social media giant momentarily allowed “calls for violence” on Facebook and Instagram amidst the invasion of Ukraine.

The policy relaxation included calls against the Russian president and the invading soldiers. Following Meta’s move, Instagram was banned in Russia.

Censorship Expanding to Social Media Platforms

Moreover, Roskomnadzor earlier blocked Facebook in Russia as the platform restricted access to Russian state-owned media houses RT and Sputnik in the European Union.

WhatsApp, Russia’s most popular messaging platform, got blocked in March, along with Snapchat, Discord, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, and Telegram. Meta quickly reversed its policy on calls for violence against Russia, banning calls for death against heads of state, but allowed other ‘calls for violence’. This situation highlighted the impact of such actions on communication platforms used for both personal messaging and professional collaboration, including productivity software like Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business.

Invasion and Censorship

Post the controversial invasion of Ukraine, Roskomnadzor unveiled additional censorship measures. One of those involves legislation signed into law by President Putin disallowing news organizations from reporting the news accurately from or about Russia. As a result of the new law, major news organizations like the BBC and CNN ceased broadcasting from Russia.

The Way Forward

The claimed impending block on VPNs is viewed as an extension of the Russian state’s tightening control on digital freedom and information flow. It seeks not only to dismantle the bridge to external news and online content but also to stifle dissent by restricting access to platforms under Meta.

The unfolding scenario has severe implications for freedom of speech, the right to information, and overall democratic values in the nation. It also bears the potential to alter the landscape of online security, privacy, and digital expression, inviting a global watch on developments in the months to come. For more news about VPNs, check out this site now!