Posted 2/5/2024, 3:09:17 PM
Russia to Block Major VPN Services in Bid to Limit Access to Independent News
- Russian authorities likely to start blocking major VPN services in March, says head of Kremlin-backed internet safety group
- VPN downloads surged in Russia after authorities blocked social media and independent news sites amid Ukraine invasion
- Head of Safe Internet League says free VPNs are a "portal into hell" and a "big black hole" with security risks
- Authorities technically can't block all VPNs but will target some of the most popular services
- Critics say VPN crackdown aimed at stifling free speech and limiting access to independent news