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‘Dark Times for Russian Internet’: Russia to Fine Users for Searching Banned Content, Including via VPNs

Starting September 1, 2025, Russians may face fines for intentionally searching so-called “extremist content” online – even with VPNs.

The Net Freedoms Project called it “a sneaky tactic,” noting that the censorship measures were quietly added to a bill originally meant to regulate the freight transport industry. Digital rights groups, cited by The Moscow Times, say the term “extremist materials” could be applied broadly – not just to books, music or websites officially banned by the Justice Ministry, but also to content seen as encouraging protest, criticizing the government, or supporting political opposition. What counts as “extremism” in Russia includes using the symbols of banned organizations, justifying terrorism, calling for protests, criticizing the president or military, or even blocking election processes — all of which have already led to arrests in recent years.

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