Russia blocks over 20 VPNs in major internet crackdown
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
On August 4, Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor blocked more than 20 VPN services, causing widespread disruptions for users seeking to bypass internet censorship. Some connectivity was restored by August 5, but the crackdown underscores escalating government efforts to restrict access to independent media. The move coincides with plans by the Ministry of Digital Development to tighten control over corporate VPNs.
The Disruption
On August 4, Roskomnadzor blocked more than 20 VPN services by targeting IP addresses and entire subnets of major hosting providers, according to independent outlet Meduza and tech site SecurityLab. Leonid Volkov of the Anti-Corruption Foundation called it 'the largest in history,' though the exact scale remains difficult to quantify. Users reported severe connectivity issues, with services like Paper VPN acknowledging disruptions. By August 5, connections were partially restored for some users.
Stricter Controls
The block follows reports that the Ministry of Digital Development plans to tighten oversight of corporate VPNs through continuous monitoring with hosting providers. Volkov speculated that domestic apps, such as banking and marketplace services, may be harvesting user IP addresses to aid state censors. The government is also considering a state-owned VPN service as an alternative to eliminate circumvention tools.
What's Next
The Ministry of Digital Development is expected to formalize its corporate VPN monitoring proposal in the coming weeks. It remains uncertain whether the recent restoration marks a permanent retreat or a temporary pause before more aggressive blocks.
1 source
Russia blocks over 20 VPNs in major internet crackdown
