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Russia targets VPNs in escalating internet crackdown | DW News
Summary
The Kremlin is intensifying efforts to isolate Russians from the global internet by targeting VPN services, which have been essential for bypassing government censorship. With over 400 VPN services blocked, the crackdown reflects a significant tightening of information control amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and suppression of dissent.
Major tech companies, including Apple, have complied with Kremlin demands by removing numerous VPN apps from their stores. This compliance has drawn criticism from opposition figures, who argue that it aids state censorship and strengthens the government's grip on information.
The Russian government has also launched a propaganda campaign, warning citizens that using VPNs could lead to security risks, such as stolen banking data. Despite these claims, many Russians continue to seek ways to access blocked content, indicating a growing resistance to censorship.
Protests against internet restrictions have emerged, with police detaining individuals in multiple cities. A government poll indicates that a significant portion of the population opposes the blocking of foreign platforms, highlighting a disconnect between government actions and public sentiment.
Perspectives
short
Kremlin's stance on internet control
- Targets VPN services to isolate citizens from global internet
- Blocks over 400 VPN services to tighten information control
- Promotes government-controlled apps while suppressing dissent
- Claims VPN usage leads to security risks to justify censorship
- Conducts propaganda campaigns to reinforce control over information
Opposition and public dissent
- Criticizes Kremlin for aiding state censorship through tech compliance
- Protests against internet restrictions indicate public resistance
- Polls show significant opposition to blocking foreign platforms
- Human rights groups argue internet policies violate information rights
Neutral / Shared
- Major tech companies have removed VPN apps under Kremlin pressure
- Protests against internet restrictions have occurred in multiple cities
- Government polls indicate a divide between state actions and public opinion
Metrics
other
more than 400 services
number of VPN services blocked
This indicates the extent of government control over internet access.
Russian authorities have blocked more than 400 VPN services.
other
40%
percentage of Russians opposing the blocking of foreign platforms
This reflects significant public discontent with internet restrictions.
A government poll conducted in November suggested about 40% of Russians are against blocking foreign platforms.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to isolate Russian citizens from the global internet by targeting VPN services, which are crucial for bypassing censorship. Over 400 VPN services have been blocked, and major companies like Apple have removed VPN apps from their stores, reflecting a significant tightening of information control amid public dissent.
- The Kremlin is ramping up efforts to cut off Russian citizens from the global internet by targeting VPN services, which have been essential for bypassing censorship
- The ban on VPNs follows the prohibition of major platforms like Instagram and Facebook, further tightening the governments grip on information amid the Ukraine conflict
- Over 400 VPN services have been blocked, and companies like Apple have removed VPN apps from their stores, raising concerns about corporate involvement in censorship
- The government promotes the idea that VPNs can jeopardize banking security, aiming to deter public use and reinforce its narrative while limiting access to information
- Protests against internet restrictions have led to police detentions in various cities, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the governments internet policies
- A recent poll indicates that around 40% of Russians oppose the blocking of foreign platforms, suggesting significant discontent with current internet restrictions