Russia drops controversial VPN tax following technical delays and widespread backlash

Russia.

• Russia’s Digital Development Ministry confirmed it has completely dropped its plan to charge users for international internet traffic.
• The proposal initially aimed to charge users roughly 150 rubles per extra gigabyte after a 15GB monthly allowance.
• Demand for censorship circumvention tools remains at an all-time high as the Kremlin continues its broader crackdown on digital privacy.

Internet users in Russia can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has abandoned its controversial plan to tax international mobile traffic.