September 05, 2023

Roskomnadzor: No More Evading Internet Restrictions


Roskomnadzor: No More Evading Internet Restrictions
Roskomnadzor logo surrounded by locks. Rebecca Rambar, Twitter.

Roskomnadzor, the Russian government agency that monitors — and censors — telecommunications in the country, will seek to block websites that explain how to bypass government restrictions on the internet.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Roskomnadzor has blocked over 206,000 websites, from American social media sites like Facebook and Instagram to independent news outlets' websites such as Dozhd TV, Ekho Moskvy, and The Bell. Even though use of banned sites has decreased, many Russians have sought ways to skirt these restrictions.

The Ministry of Digital Development released a draft resolution that will allow Roskomnadzor to expand its criteria of which websites it can block, including those that contain "information about the ways, methods of providing access to information resources and [or] information and telecommunication networks, access to which is restricted on Russian territory."

While the State Duma announced they don't plan to introduce punishments for using VPNs, many VPN services have been blocked.

In a related matter, on September 1, Roskomnadzor announced it would open a form to report websites with LGBTQ+ content.

You Might Also Like

Laying Low
  • August 15, 2023

Laying Low

The tale of René Coignard, who changed his name and spent six months hiding in a wooden hut to escape the draft.
Russian Fake Syrians
  • July 12, 2023

Russian Fake Syrians

Five Russian athletes with altered identities have been announced as part of the Syrian team in the Arab Games.
iPhones Banned
  • June 27, 2023

iPhones Banned

Members of the government have been forbidden from bringing iPhones to cabinet meetings.
Meduza Declared Undesirable
  • January 27, 2023

Meduza Declared Undesirable

On January 26, Russia’s Prosecutor General declared the popular publication Meduza an “undesirable” organization.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

The Samovar Murders
November 01, 2019

The Samovar Murders

The murder of a poet is always more than a murder. When a famous writer is brutally stabbed on the campus of Moscow’s Lumumba University, the son of a recently deposed African president confesses, and the case assumes political implications that no one wants any part of.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka
November 01, 2012

Davai! The Russians and Their Vodka

In this comprehensive, quixotic and addictive book, Edwin Trommelen explores all facets of the Russian obsession with vodka. Peering chiefly through the lenses of history and literature, Trommelen offers up an appropriately complex, rich and bittersweet portrait, based on great respect for Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955