Russian Authorities Intensify Targeting of VPN Services and Information Access

Russian authorities are increasing efforts to suppress information access by targeting Virtual Private Network (VPN) services, according to Human Rights Watch. This escalation includes intensifying takedowns and blocking through app stores. The attacks are part of a broader effort to curb what the authorities consider to be circumvention of draconian censorship laws.

The targeted attacks involve infrastructure disruption, including the use of large blocks of IP addresses and entire subnets. These coordinated attacks, such as those against Amnezia VPN in June, require affected providers to restore services after bulk blocking. Such restorations are reported to be costly and time-consuming.

VPN providers are currently engaged in a consultation process with the government regarding the various purposes of their services.