Russia plans to block some virtual private networks (VPNs) it deems to pose a threat, Reuters reported, citing the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications.
Interest in VPN services has increased since Moscow banned access to Western social networks in connection with the military actions in Ukraine.
In 2017, Russian authorities required some virtual private networks companies to assist them in blocking certain content.
Many Russians continue to use virtual private networks to access websites and social networks banned by the state. This has sparked a debate among Russian lawmakers to what extent the ban on VPN services should be extended.
News agency RIA Novosti today published an inquiry by Anton Tkachev, who expresses his concerns about the plans to stop access to all such networks. He noted that, on the one hand, this ban is in line with national legislation, but on the other, “actually supports the sanctions pressure on the Russians”, since the networks in question are sometimes necessary for the continuous operation of household electrical appliances, including equipment manufactured in China.
“Based on the decision of the expert committee… filtering of specific VPN services and VPN protocols in the mobile communication network for foreign traffic that are identified as a threat may be done,” the digital ministry’s response said. development.
