Russia criminalizes VPN searches under a new amendment that aims to punish not just the sharing of “extremist” content—but even the act of searching for it online. The proposed law targets anyone who uses VPNs or other tools to access restricted information, marking a sharp escalation in the Kremlin’s digital control.
The Law Behind the Crackdown
The proposed amendment adds Article 13.53 to Russia’s Administrative Code. It criminalizes the act of searching for “known extremist materials”—even if done through VPNs or anonymizing software.
In essence, Russia criminalizes VPN searches by framing them as deliberate attempts to access prohibited content. Fines for individuals could range from $38 to $64, even for basic searches.
VPN Promotion Comes Under Fire
Another amendment introduces strict penalties for advertising VPNs:
- $640–$1,025 for individuals
- $1,030–$1,900 for officials
- $2,560–$6,400 for businesses
Russia criminalizes VPN searches and related promotion, signaling a full-spectrum assault on digital tools that enable information freedom.
What Counts as “Extremist”?
The Russian government’s list of banned “extremist materials” contains over 5,500 entries. These include:
- LGBTQ+ content
- Independent war coverage
- Opposition social media posts
- References to “alleged Nazi ideology,” often used to discredit critics
The label “extremist” is applied broadly—sometimes even to harmless searches for foreign news or public forums.
Pushback from All Sides
The new law is facing resistance, including from unexpected voices.
“Russian authorities are disguising persecution of dissent as countering ‘extremism,’” said Marie Struthers from Amnesty International.
Even Kremlin-adjacent figures like Yekaterina Mizulina worry the vague law could backfire. Her group, the League for Safe Internet, might no longer be allowed to monitor online extremism.
Conclusion
The decision to criminalize VPN searches in Russia represents a dangerous shift. Citizens could soon face fines just for looking up independent journalism or accessing news through a VPN.
If passed, the law takes effect on September 1, 2025—potentially criminalizing private searches, digital privacy tools, and information itself.
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