In 2025, new rules for using VPNs come into force in Russia. There's no outright ban, but fines for improper use have increased, and the list of restrictions has grown wider. Simply connecting to a VPN is still not a violation if you use it to protect your data or for remote work. But bypassing blocks and searching for prohibited content can now get you a citation.
How the law has changed
The first ban on accessing blocked resources appeared back in 2017. Then came the “sovereign internet” law and DPI technology for filtering traffic. In the summer of 2025, new amendments were introduced that took effect on September 1, 2025:
- Advertising VPNs and block circumvention — a fine of up to 80,000 RUB for individuals and up to 500,000 RUB for organizations.
- Searching for extremist materials — 3,000–5,000 RUB.
- A VPN provider's refusal to connect to the Roskomnadzor registry — up to 8 million RUB.
- Using a VPN while committing an offense — an aggravating circumstance with an increased fine or detention.
What is now prohibited
1. Promoting or advertising ways to bypass blocks, even without direct links.
2. Deliberately searching for materials deemed extremist.
3. Ignoring Roskomnadzor's requirements if you are a VPN provider.
4. Publishing instructions on configuring a VPN to access prohibited sites.
What remains legal
- Using corporate VPNs for remote work.
- Accessing legal foreign services via a VPN.
- Protecting your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
How to avoid a fine
- Don't publish reviews or guides on bypassing blocks.
- Turn off your VPN when logging into government services and online banking.
- Check whether a site is on the registry of prohibited resources.
- Don't search for prohibited content even “out of curiosity.”
Fines in numbers
- Advertising a VPN — up to 80,000 RUB for individuals, up to 500,000 RUB for legal entities.
- Searching for prohibited materials — 3,000–5,000 RUB.
- Violations by a VPN provider — up to 8 million RUB.
What the Ministry of Digital Development says
The ministry states that ordinary users who use a VPN for security will not be affected. Penalties are only a threat when there is proven intent to access prohibited content.
Takeaways
A VPN remains a legal tool in Russia as long as you use it for protecting data, privacy, and remote work. But bypassing blocks and accessing prohibited resources now carries fines.
To use a VPN safely, it's worth choosing proven services that reliably encrypt traffic, such as R-VPN. It works stably, bypasses blocks, offers servers in dozens of countries, and protects your data from surveillance.
Discuss: go to the R-VPN forum