Russia’s Digital Development Ministry says many online services restrict access when VPNs are enabled
The Facts
- Russia’s Digital Development Ministry said that many Russian online services restrict access for users who have a VPN enabled.
- The ministry said the restrictions are intended to protect data that users enter on online platforms.
- The ministry said the policy is especially relevant to government services, where citizens’ personal data is stored or processed.
- The ministry said many VPN services do not adequately protect confidentiality or personal data and are often used by malicious actors to intercept traffic and information.
- The ministry said Gosuslugi will add a feature allowing users to report cases where sites or apps ask them to disable a VPN even when they are not using one.
- Until that reporting feature is available, the ministry has advised users who see incorrect VPN warnings to contact the support service of the site or app involved.
- The restrictions affect not only government portals but also a broader range of Russian digital services, according to the ministry’s public explanation.
- The move matters for users who rely on Russian online services, including people who may be accessing them from abroad or who are incorrectly flagged as using a VPN.
Context
Why does the ministry say services are limiting access when a VPN is on?
The ministry says the restrictions are meant to protect data users enter on websites and apps, particularly on government services that handle personal data. It also says many VPNs do not sufficiently protect privacy and can be used to intercept traffic Коммерсант.…,Meduza,Национальна….
What should users do if a site tells them to disable a VPN when they are not using one?
The ministry says users should contact the support service of the site or app, and it says Gosuslugi will soon add a button for reporting those false VPN warnings Аргументы и…,Forbes.ru,Парламентск….
Which services are covered by these restrictions?
The ministry’s explanation says the practice applies broadly across Russian online services and highlights government platforms in particular because they store or process citizens’ personal data Аргументы и…,���.Ru // �…,Парламентск….
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