Russia steps up VPN crackdown

(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russia has intensified its efforts to curtail internet freedom with its digital development ministry pledging to “fulfil the task of reducing VPN use” across the country.

Minister Maksut Shadaev stated his department, as a government agency, must carry out this objective. He warned that one option could theoretically be the introduction of civil liability for citizens using virtual private networks. Officials also revealed that a mechanism is being worked out for the possible introduction of an additional charge to users for foreign internet traffic. Decisions have already been taken to limit access to a number of foreign platforms.

The official justification provided by Russian authorities for the crackdown is that VPNs are being used to circumvent blocking and provide access to resources blocked in Russia in accordance with the law. Authorities claim these resources have become breeding grounds for fraudsters, terrorists and extremists because they do not abide by the law. Critics of the Russian dictator contend that in reality the move is solely about internet censorship.

The state newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta also reported on the upcoming Victory Day parade on Red Square. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed a military parade will take place on 9th May to mark the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. However, this year a column of military hardware will not take part in the parade due to the current operational situation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov referenced the terrorist threat, noting measures are being taken to reduce the danger. The Kremlin appears concerned about possible Ukrainian drone attacks on the day. For the first time in nearly two decades, no tanks or missiles will roll across Red Square. Under the Russian dictator, the Victory Day parade had become a showcase for Russia’s latest weaponry and an opportunity to project military power.

Readers were reportedly told about an innovation where the broadcast would show the work of servicemen in the zone of what the Kremlin claims is a  special military operation and those on combat duty and active service. A fly past will also take place, albeit slightly scaled back.

In a possibly revealing editorial, the same government paper examined internet restrictions in Iran, arguing they have brought a protest explosion closer. It noted that the struggle for the basic right to access the internet, which authorities want to limit under the pretext of security protection, could become a threat to the security and stability of the Iranian regime.

The paper concluded this is exactly what its opponents are waiting for. While the text ostensibly focused on Iran, observers may see clear parallels with the current domestic situation in Russia.

Today’s report was based on a Russian press review by Steve Rosenberg of BBC Russia.