Russia Tests System to Block VPN Users From Global Internet

Internet Censorship Grows

Russia has begun testing a new system capable of cutting off access to the global internet, with early reports indicating that even virtual private networks, known as VPNs, are unable to circumvent these restrictions. This marks a significant escalation in the country’s efforts to establish what it calls a “sovereign internet.”

According to a recent report by NetBlocks, the Russian government already trialed its capacity to shut down internet access in Dagestan. Local news outlet Chernovik reported that the block lasted 24 hours and extended to Chechnya and Ingushetia.

ℹ️ Note: Metrics show the disruption and restoration of connectivity in Dagestan, #Russia, following what telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor has described as a trial of its capacity to disable access to the foreign internet in a specific region; incident duration ~24 hours pic.twitter.com/7iYtDcVtSG

— NetBlocks (@netblocks) December 7, 2024

pic.twitter.com/7iYtDcVtSG

Russia’s move comes amid a broader global trend of increasing internet restrictions, even in traditionally free societies. In the United States, ongoing efforts to ban TikTok—currently the world’s largest social media platform—highlight growing concerns about data sovereignty and national security. Other nations, including Hungary, Turkey, Israel