Using a VPN in Russia exists in a complex legal gray area. While the act of using a VPN is not explicitly criminalized for individual citizens, the government has established a strict framework to restrict their operation. Authorities require VPN providers to connect to a state information system and block access to government-blacklisted websites. Failure to comply results in the banning of the specific VPN service within the country, significantly limiting the legal options available for users seeking privacy (1).
The legal pressure on VPNs has intensified with recent legislative updates. In March 2024, a new law took effect that bans the advertisement and promotion of VPN services and other circumvention tools. This legislation empowers Roskomnadzor, the state telecommunications regulator, to block websites that provide instructions on how to access banned content or download these tools. Consequently, major app stores have been compelled to remove dozens of VPN apps to comply with these strict local regulations (1).
"Accessing blocked websites and apps, like Instagram or Facebook, is largely impossible in Russia without a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a tool that allows users to circumvent censorship. Yet, according to some estimates, about half of the country’s population does not know how to use such tools, and the authorities increasingly block them."
Beyond the blocking of services, the legal environment aims to isolate the Russian internet. The Sovereign Internet law mandates the installation of technical equipment on ISP networks, which allows for centralized filtering of traffic. This infrastructure enables the state to effectively block VPN protocols and throttle speeds for non-compliant services. The government justifies these measures as necessary for national security, creating a landscape where the legality of a VPN often depends on its willingness to cooperate with state censorship (2).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/russia/freedom-net/2025
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/07/30/russia-internet-blocking-disruptions-and-increasing-isolation
Last updated: 14-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
