Story perspectives

Russia Cracks Down on VPNs Amid Nationwide Protests

4/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev announced plans to monitor IT companies for VPN usage and remove them from a state registry offering tax benefits.
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign of internet restrictions.
This campaign includes blocking popular messaging apps and triggering mobile internet outages.
Protests nationwide led to at least 18 detentions.
Authorities banned demonstrations, but protests occurred in several cities, signaling growing dissent.

History

Historical Context

Since the enactment of the "Internet Blacklist Law" in November 2012, Russia has intensified internet censorship, initially targeting harmful content but expanding to suppress dissent. By 2022, authorities had blocked over 138,000 websites amid the Ukraine invasion, reflecting a broader strategy to control information and stifle civil liberties, echoing tactics reminiscent of China's Great Firewall.

1 of 2

Story summary

Digital Minister Maksut Shadayev announced plans to monitor IT companies for VPN usage and remove them from a state registry offering tax benefits.
The crackdown is part of a broader campaign of internet restrictions.
This campaign includes blocking popular messaging apps and triggering mobile internet outages.
Protests nationwide led to at least 18 detentions.
Authorities banned demonstrations, but protests occurred in several cities, signaling growing dissent.

1 / 2