Russia's lawmakers warn against constant VPN use
Russian lawmakers are urging citizens, especially youth, to avoid constant use of VPNs due to security risks, while data shows a 33% increase in paid VPN usage over two years, driven by concerns over online safety and data privacy.
Consensus
- Almost three-quarters of Russians know what a VPN is.
- About half of VPN users in Russia choose paid services.
- The number of people using paid VPNs has increased by 33% over two years.
- At least 16 free VPN services transmit user data to servers located in Russia.
- Experts warn that using free VPNs may pose data security risks.
- There is a growing trend in Russia toward using paid VPN services for safety and reliability.
Points of divergence
- Sergei Boyarsky, head of the State Duma committee on information policy, stated that authorities are actively trying to discourage Russians, especially youth, from using VPNs due to safety concerns and the risk of accessing dangerous parts of the internet. — tvrain
- The New Tab media project promotes paid VPN services and offers a 10% discount to subscribers using the promo code THENEWTAB. — tg_thenewtab
- Paper VPN is recommended as a reliable, affordable, and family-friendly service with no device limits and a 10% discount via promo code SEVENSEVEN. — tg_horizontal_russia
Coverage (3 sources)
- In the State Duma, they are trying to teach Russians to avoid VPN because with it you can enter 'not the right corners of the internet' — deputy Boyarsky — Дождь
- Paid VPNs are used in Russia one-third more often — Новая вкладка
- Paid VPNs in Russia are used one-third more often than two years ago. This may be related to the desire for security — 7х7 — Горизонтальная Россия