The move, reported by independent Russian media on July 4, aims to curb citizens' access to independent and international news and simplify government surveillance, the update says.
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, allow users to create secure internet connections over public networks, helping them protect their online activities and access content that might be restricted in their region.
Roskomnadzor, which gained the authority to block VPNs without a court order in March 2024, claims the applications were banned for containing "illegal content." Similar actions were taken in 2022 and 2023.
On the same day, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) ordered telecom operators to stop offering VoIP services, popular for their efficiency and integration with other communication tools.
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, allows people to make phone calls over the internet rather than through traditional phone lines.
The FSB's official reason is to reduce fraud, but it is widely believed to be another step to monitor and restrict private communications.
According to the UK defence ministry, the measures are part of Russia's ongoing efforts to control information access, a campaign that has ramped up since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
While the impact of these restrictions is still unfolding, many Russians continue to find ways around them, the update adds.
(ał)
Source: PAP