Russia Plans Massive Spending Boost for Internet Blocking and VPN Crackdown

The Russian government has proposed a significant increase in funding for internet blocking systems and VPN countermeasures. According to the draft federal budget for 2027, the Main Radio Frequency Center (GRChT), a state-owned enterprise under Roskomnadzor, will receive nearly 20 billion rubles to operate the 'Automated System for Ensuring the Security of the Russian Segment of the Information and Telecommunication Network 'Internet'. This system aims to block sites with 'prohibited' content and VPNs that help bypass restrictions. By 2030, Roskomnadzor hopes to achieve a 92% effectiveness in blocking VPN technologies. Over three years, expenditures could reach around 60 billion rubles, nearly double last year's plans.