Media regulator states Russia will not impose fines on VPN users
According to Roskomnadzor, there are currently no intentions to penalize Russians utilizing VPNs to access restricted websites, as reported by RT. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The Russian government has clarified that it does not intend to impose fines on individuals for accessing banned websites through Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, as communicated by the country’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, to RT.
VPN technology creates a secure connection between a user’s device and the server, enabling users to conceal their IP addresses and circumvent various firewalls and blocks.
Earlier this month, Roskomnadzor released a draft order requiring telecommunications operators to furnish the regulator with information about internet users visiting blocked sites. If the proposed legislation is enacted, the regulator would reportedly gain the authority to track attempts to circumvent firewalls or access restricted websites via VPNs.
On Wednesday, Hi-Tech Mail reported that the order might enable the imposition of fines on VPN users, referencing insights from IT experts. Yuri Gizatullin, the founder of TIQUM IT firm, commented that while Roskomnadzor possesses the technical capability to carry out such actions, they could lead to significant concerns regarding data privacy.
However, Roskomnadzor has stated that it does not plan to impose fines on VPN users. The regulator pointed out, “There is a gross error in such assumptions,” emphasizing that the draft order concerning VPNs “does not and cannot introduce fines.”
The regulator further asserted that “the said draft order of Roskomnadzor does not touch upon the use of VPN services,” dismissing the report as “fake.”
Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Technology and Communications, echoed this denial, explaining that implementing such a measure would be nearly impossible because distinguishing between legal and illegal VPN usage is challenging.
The topic of potential penalties for VPN usage has been a recurrent issue in Russia. Following the onset of military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, numerous Western nations banned several Russian news organizations, accusing them of disseminating ‘disinformation’, while permitting anti-Russian narratives on their platforms.
In response, Russia has blacklisted various Western media outlets and platforms, citing anti-Russian sentiment, misinformation, and censorship of Russian media. Roskomnadzor has restricted access to websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and news agencies such as the BBC and Deutsche Welle, though these platforms remain accessible within Russia via VPN services.
Although VPN services have not been outlawed in Russia, in March, Roskomnadzor curtailed the advertising of these services. In November, the regulator prohibited the dissemination of scientific and statistical information regarding VPNs, except for those offering secure remote access. Additionally, it has begun blocking VPN services that contravene its regulations.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
VPN technology creates a secure connection between a user’s device and the server, enabling users to conceal their IP addresses and circumvent various firewalls and blocks.
Earlier this month, Roskomnadzor released a draft order requiring telecommunications operators to furnish the regulator with information about internet users visiting blocked sites. If the proposed legislation is enacted, the regulator would reportedly gain the authority to track attempts to circumvent firewalls or access restricted websites via VPNs.
On Wednesday, Hi-Tech Mail reported that the order might enable the imposition of fines on VPN users, referencing insights from IT experts. Yuri Gizatullin, the founder of TIQUM IT firm, commented that while Roskomnadzor possesses the technical capability to carry out such actions, they could lead to significant concerns regarding data privacy.
However, Roskomnadzor has stated that it does not plan to impose fines on VPN users. The regulator pointed out, “There is a gross error in such assumptions,” emphasizing that the draft order concerning VPNs “does not and cannot introduce fines.”
The regulator further asserted that “the said draft order of Roskomnadzor does not touch upon the use of VPN services,” dismissing the report as “fake.”
Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Technology and Communications, echoed this denial, explaining that implementing such a measure would be nearly impossible because distinguishing between legal and illegal VPN usage is challenging.
The topic of potential penalties for VPN usage has been a recurrent issue in Russia. Following the onset of military operations in Ukraine in February 2022, numerous Western nations banned several Russian news organizations, accusing them of disseminating ‘disinformation’, while permitting anti-Russian narratives on their platforms.
In response, Russia has blacklisted various Western media outlets and platforms, citing anti-Russian sentiment, misinformation, and censorship of Russian media. Roskomnadzor has restricted access to websites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and news agencies such as the BBC and Deutsche Welle, though these platforms remain accessible within Russia via VPN services.
Although VPN services have not been outlawed in Russia, in March, Roskomnadzor curtailed the advertising of these services. In November, the regulator prohibited the dissemination of scientific and statistical information regarding VPNs, except for those offering secure remote access. Additionally, it has begun blocking VPN services that contravene its regulations.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
