Russia Enforces Presidential Decrees for Internet Shutdowns
President Vladimir Putin approved legal changes in February 2026 granting the Federal Security Service (FSB) sweeping powers to restrict or shut down cellular and landline internet access based solely on presidential decrees, Freedom House reported. The legislative move marks a stark escalation in state efforts to isolate the country’s population from the global internet, compounding ongoing disruptions across mobile networks in major urban centers like Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Officials targeted websites, end-to-end encrypted messaging applications, and remaining foreign platforms that host user-generated content.
New Legal Punishments Target VPN Use and Extremist Searches
The government enacted a statute criminalizing intentional searches for broadly defined “extremist material.” Simultaneously, lawmakers introduced a separate law classifying the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as an aggravating circumstance during the commission of certain crimes.
Citizens who publicly criticized the Kremlin’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine—which began in 2022—faced severe judicial retaliation. Courts continued handing down long prison sentences to individuals voicing dissent against the military campaign and government policies more broadly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Russia’s Digital Restrictions
What specific powers does the FSB hold under the February 2026 law?
The legal changes approved by President Vladimir Putin allow the Federal Security Service to demand that cellular and landline internet providers turn off or restrict user access based solely on presidential decrees.
How are VPN users penalized under current Russian legislation?
Using a virtual private network now serves as an aggravating circumstance during the commission of certain crimes, increasing potential legal penalties for defendants.
Which regulatory body oversees the blocking of foreign platforms and messaging apps?
Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator, actively blocks websites, targets end-to-end encrypted messaging apps, and restricts foreign platforms that host user-generated content.
Related reading