The Latest Breaking News from Roskomsvoboda

“An enormous surveillance potential” – experts have serious concerns about Russia's new WhatsApp rival

Russia's new WhatsApp rival must be pre-installed on every new device sold in Russia starting from September 1, 2025, but security researchers found "excessive tracking" abilities.

TechRadar · Aug 28, 2025

A new wave of blocks in Russia targets VPN apps and Cloudflare subnets

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TechRadar · Mar 24, 2025

Google, Apple, and internet restriction – how Big Tech is making censorship "much worse" according to experts

While Google is somehow resisting some censorship requests, Apple keeps killing VPN apps upon Russia's orders. Here's all you need to know.

TechRadar · Feb 21, 2025

Russia VPN: Kremlin claims no blocking plans "yet," but usage may be still at risk

Under a new law, all the info about VPNs and other online circumventing tactics are expected to be banned. Here's all you need to know.

TechRadar · Feb 9, 2024

Influencer, 18, could be jailed for up to six years after using Instagram in Russia

The social media app and Facebook have both been banned in Russia since March by Vladimir Putin 'in connection with the implementation of extremist activities'

Daily Mirror · Sep 24, 2022

Russian influencer ‘facing six years in prison for using Instagram’

‘Are you serious? Me? An 18-year-old fashion blogger?’

The Independent UK · Sep 22, 2022

Explainer-Russia's internet crackdown

On the day Russian troops poured into Ukraine, Russia's state communications regulator Roskomnadzor put out a statement, demanding that media outlets only use official Russian sources to cover the "special operation" in Ukraine. Otherwise they could be blocked and face a fine of up to 5 million roubles.

Reuters · Mar 31, 2022