Russia blocks VPN access to major platforms, moves to charge for mobile VPN traffic

The Kremlin has been fighting VPNs for nearly a decade: a law banning circumvention of blocked websites appeared in 2017, authorities began mass-banning VPN services from 2021, and in 2024 their advertising was banned. Authorities launched a new “crusade” against VPNs a month ago, against the backdrop of Telegram’s blocking. The Digital Development Ministry, acting on orders from either Putin or the FSB, devised several new restrictions. Some have already taken effect, while others officials hav...