Russia Enacts VPN Law, Signals Possible WhatsApp Ban

• What transpired: A new law was approved in Russia that criminalizes searching for specific online information and restricts the use of VPNs.
• Why it matters: The Russian law could result in a complete ban on WhatsApp and puts more pressure on digital freedom.
• Overall effect: Millions of users' privacy is at risk, and penalties for VPN advertising are introduced.

VPN Use Faces New Penalties in Russia

Russian lawmakers have passed a bill that effectively tightens restrictions on virtual private networks (VPNs). The legislation makes it a punishable offense to access or search for so-called "extremist materials" online using VPN services. It also introduces fines for individuals and organizations that advertise or promote VPN use.

The bill passed its third and final reading in the State Duma with 306 votes in favor, 67 against, and 22 abstentions. Fines range from 1,000 to 500,000 rubles (approximately $11 to $6,300 USD), depending on the nature of the offense and whether it involves individuals, officials, or companies.

According to Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, “ordinary users will not be affected,” though privacy experts have questioned this claim. In practice, the law significantly increases risks for users accessing restricted content through VPNs.

Russia Might Ban WhatsApp Next

The legislation arrives as reports from Kremlin insiders suggest a possible ban on WhatsApp, one of the country’s most widely used messaging apps. Lawmaker Anton Gorelkin stated publicly that “it’s time for WhatsApp to prepare to leave the Russian market.”

Gorelkin, who shared his comments on Telegram, pointed to a growing shift toward state-controlled platforms. He said MAX, a government-backed messaging app, could soon replace foreign services like WhatsApp.

He also accused Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, of being an “extremist organization,” hinting that the app could soon be labeled as software from an “unfriendly” country, subject to state restrictions. Gorelkin did clarify that he does not expect Telegram to face similar action.

A Broader Crackdown on Encrypted Services

Russia's move to restrict WhatsApp follows a broader trend of curbing access to encrypted communication tools. While VPNs remain legal in the country, using them is now considerably riskier. With WhatsApp possibly being added to the growing list of restricted platforms, access may become even more limited.

Despite this, VPNs continue to be used by many Russians to bypass content blocks and maintain access to communication tools, especially in times of political unrest. Users are advised to use only the most reliable VPNs and download and configure VPN apps before entering the country, as installation and access may be blocked once inside Russian networks.

Digital Freedom at Risk

Since WhatsApp is used by about 100 million Russians, a formal ban would have a big effect on communication in the nation. Even though Telegram is still a well-liked substitute, end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default. Despite having smaller user numbers, apps like Signal, Threema, and Session are thought to be more secure.

If WhatsApp is officially banned, VPNs may become the only way for users in Russia to continue using it, despite the growing legal risks. Activists, journalists, and human rights groups have expressed concern that these developments mark a deeper erosion of internet freedom in Russia.

While government officials maintain that these laws are intended for national security, critics argue they restrict open access to information and limit the ability of citizens to communicate freely.