Camilla Jessen
Russian MP warns of ‘digital control’ crackdown.
A rare public criticism has emerged from within Russia’s parliament over tightening internet controls.
State Duma deputy Mikhail Matveev has criticised government efforts to restrict VPNs, Telegram and other online services, describing the approach as excessive. He warned that authorities risk using digital tools primarily for control rather than development.
“They are trying to use digitalization as a tool of control and exclusively to build a digital concentration camp,” Matveev said.
Matveev also accused officials of hypocrisy, pointing to contradictions between public messaging and private behaviour.
“We have a lot of hypocrisy from our authorities,” he said, citing examples of officials criticising foreign products while continuing to use them.
Proposed restrictions
The comments come as Russian authorities consider new measures targeting VPN use. According to reports, officials are discussing fines or taxes for those using such services to bypass internet blocks.
Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadaev acknowledged the proposals, describing them as a “difficult compromise” and warning that alternatives could be “much worse”.
Reports from Kommersant suggest the plans could involve limiting access to major platforms for users connecting via VPNs, including e-commerce services, banks and popular Russian websites.
Other proposals include introducing charges for high levels of international data traffic on mobile networks, aimed at discouraging VPN usage.
Mikhail Klimarev of the Society for Internet Protection said interest in such services has reached record levels.
Sources: Digi24, Kommersant, Forbes.
