The Evolving Landscape of Internet Censorship in Russia

In recent years, Russia has intensified its efforts to control the internet, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine. Despite these efforts, many Russians have turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship. The number of VPN users in Russia surged from 12.6 million in 2021 to 33.5 million in 2022, marking a 167% increase. This trend reflects a broader global pattern, as VPN downloads spiked significantly in response to various censorship measures, including the blocking of platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

The Russian government employs a dual strategy regarding VPNs. While they are not formally illegal, the Kremlin has criminalized activities surrounding them, such as sharing information about circumvention tools. As of March 1, 2024, it became illegal to disseminate guides or reviews related to VPNs, with penalties for non-compliance. This legal ambiguity serves to instill fear among users, discouraging them from accessing or sharing information about independent media outlets.

Political scientist Ekaterina Shulmann describes the phenomenon of "behavioral censorship," where citizens self-censor due to the perceived risks of government scrutiny. The Kremlin's approach relies on creating an environment of uncertainty, where individuals feel watched and guilty for their online activities. This psychological pressure is more effective than outright arrests, leading to a gradual erosion of the vibrant internet culture that existed in Russia prior to these restrictions.

The Russian government has invested in advanced censorship technologies, including the 2019 "sovereign internet" law, which mandates telecom operators to install equipment capable of deep packet inspection. This infrastructure allows authorities to throttle, block, and reroute internet traffic effectively. In 2025 alone, Roskomnadzor, the state communications watchdog, restricted access to over 12,600 materials promoting VPN services, indicating a significant escalation in censorship efforts.

The ongoing restrictions have led to a brain drain, with many IT professionals and startups relocating to countries like Georgia and Armenia. Those who remain often find themselves working on censorship technologies rather than innovative software. The Kremlin's strategy appears to be one of gradual erosion rather than outright collapse, creating a fragmented internet landscape where only state-approved resources are accessible.

Critics argue that the Kremlin's tactics undermine freedom of expression and access to information. The increasing reliance on VPNs among the population highlights a growing resistance to censorship, despite the risks involved. The government's attempts to control the narrative through legal and technical means have not gone unnoticed, with many citizens expressing frustration over the absurdity of officials using the same banned platforms they seek to restrict.

• “It does not need total obedience; it only needs people to live cautiously.” — Dr. Anda Bologa, Senior Researcher, CEPA

• “Fear does the filtering.” — Ekaterina Shulmann, Political Scientist

The situation in Russia illustrates the complex interplay between state control and individual resistance in the digital age, as citizens navigate a landscape fraught with censorship and surveillance.