Russia’s Gosuslugi Portal Blocks Access for Users with Enabled VPNs
Russia’s official government services portal, Gosuslugi, has implemented restrictions blocking access for users within the country who have Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enabled. This development was reported by the independent Russian news outlet Verstka on April 16, 2026. Users attempting to access the platform via its website or mobile application while using a VPN encounter an error message stating that access is restricted for security reasons and requesting them to disable the tool to ensure correct functionality. Notably, this restriction applies exclusively to users located inside Russia; those accessing the service from abroad can still use VPNs without interruption. This move aligns with broader recent efforts by Russian authorities to curb VPN usage. In late March, the Digital Development Ministry mandated that major platforms restrict VPN access, threatening removal from regulatory white lists for non-compliance. Following this directive, several major online marketplaces, as well as tech giants like Yandex and VK, and various banking applications, have similarly begun blocking users with active VPN connections, marking a significant escalation in digital sovereignty measures.
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Russia’s Gosuslugi Portal Blocks Access for Users with Enabled VPNs
Russia’s official government services portal, Gosuslugi, has implemented restrictions blocking access for users within the country who have Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enabled. This development was reported by the independent Russian news outlet Verstka on April 16, 2026. Users attempting to access the platform via its website or mobile application while using a VPN encounter an error message stating that access is restricted for security reasons and requesting them to disable the tool to ensure correct functionality. Notably, this restriction applies exclusively to users located inside Russia; those accessing the service from abroad can still use VPNs without interruption. This move aligns with broader recent efforts by Russian authorities to curb VPN usage. In late March, the Digital Development Ministry mandated that major platforms restrict VPN access, threatening removal from regulatory white lists for non-compliance. Following this directive, several major online marketplaces, as well as tech giants like Yandex and VK, and various banking applications, have similarly begun blocking users with active VPN connections, marking a significant escalation in digital sovereignty measures.
Meduza.io