Russia plans paid email and fees for VPN use in new internet crackdown
Photo: Russia to introduce charges for VPN use (Getty Images)
Russia is planning to introduce paid email services for businesses and charge citizens for using VPN services and international internet traffic, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
Internet tax and censorship
According to intelligence, Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development is pushing an initiative to introduce paid email services for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals.
The move would effectively create a mandatory state-controlled communication channel funded by users themselves. At the same time, authorities are discussing the introduction of fees for international traffic and monetization of VPN services.
The logic is clear — those trying to bypass information isolation will be financially penalized.
"Russians will pay more — for email, for internet access, for the very ability to read independent sources — and receive less freedom in return," the intelligence service said.
Risks for the IT sector
Tech companies that refuse to block VPN traffic could face harsh sanctions.
They risk being removed from the register of accredited organizations, which would automatically mean losing key tax benefits and draft deferment for employees.
"For most market players, removal from the register is equivalent to liquidation — they will not be able to compete with companies that retain preferential status," the intelligence service noted.
Online repression in Russia
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russian authorities have severely restricted access to foreign platforms and social media.
VPNs have become one of the few ways for Russians to access alternative information.
Repression over online activity has also intensified, with penalties even for searching for allegedly extremist content in a browser.
Following restrictions on YouTube in Russia, the popular messaging app WhatsApp was fully blocked, forcing users to seek new ways to bypass censorship.
In addition, Russian authorities are laying the groundwork for a digital kill switch that would give the FSB the power to completely shut down internet and phone communications in the country.
