A number of schools offer classes on the risks and responsibilities of using VPNs.

On April 22, schools in several Russian regions announced they were holding thematic classes on the risks of using VPNs. In Irkutsk and the Rostov region, individual classes used titles emphasizing the legal implications, according to publications by local educational institutions and media reports.

As a specialized publication writes "Chalk"In Irkutsk and the Rostov region, schools held classes with a focus on warnings about the legal risks of using block circumvention services. At Irkutsk's Education Center No. 10, classes were titled "VPNs Are Illegal. What Can and Cannot Be Done Online Now" and "VPN Use as an Aggravating Circumstance in Crimes." The publication also cites a comment from the principal of School No. 81 in the Rostov region, who said these discussions were a teacher initiative, not an order from above. Similar reports have been published by other news outlets, pointing to the practice of holding themed lectures in the regions.

The official March materials from the Russian Ministry of Education's "Conversations on the Important" project were devoted to the topic "Digital Shield: Basic Rules of Internet Safety" and covered a wide range of cybersecurity topics, according to industry resources and regional news outlets. Several municipalities reported that representatives from relevant agencies and cybersecurity experts participated in the training sessions.

As a reminder, in 2025, the State Duma and the Federation Council approved amendments to Article 63 of the Russian Criminal Code, which classify the use of a VPN during the commission of a crime as an aggravating circumstance. This provision will take effect on March 1, 2026, according to federal media. However, deputies and relevant officials previously emphasized that the mere use of a VPN by citizens does not constitute an offense; rather, the issue concerns cases where such technologies are used to commit crimes or to intentionally access prohibited materials.

According to media reports, the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, known as Mintsifry, has tasked internet platforms with reducing VPN use and restricting access to certain services when blocking bypass tools are enabled. Market participants and experts have also discussed possible measures, emphasizing the priority of "depopularizing" VPNs without imposing fines for their use.

Comments

[drags33]

The concentration of nonsense and stupidity has increased recently and has begun to resemble the COVID times...

[Denis_999]

Officials and legislators in the Russian Federation are divided into three categories:

1. Those who have received obviously controversial initiatives from above and who do not wish to contradict their superiors/management.
2. Those who show (unnecessary) initiative, promoting obviously controversial issues. A banal desire to curry favor.
3. Those who serve the interests of others by promoting controversial initiatives or escalating domestic and public tensions. For example, those of Britain (the so-called "British grid"). Or those who serve the interests of big business and corporations.

And so, yes. We are following the path of China (fans of communism and sinophiles - rejoice, silly ones).

[Infinity]

Quote: Denis_999

And so, yes. We are following the path of China (fans of communism and sinophiles - rejoice, silly ones).

A colleague of mine travels to China regularly and says bluntly that they don't have the same level of restrictions there as we do. Many VPNs that don't work here work fine there, and the Chinese themselves actively use them.
But that's not the point. China is a leading economy and the world's factory, a leader in many areas, or on par with the West. They have a large-scale poverty alleviation program, their megaprojects easily surpass even Stalin's in scale, and so on. Can our prohibitionists do the same? They can't even stop themselves from owning property abroad! https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/8570290 Only the people can be banned from doing anything!

Regarding the news, all this "talk about something important" is like a dead man's arse. All the young people easily bypass these blockages, and yet they are very irritated by them. Very much so. Mizulina stated that 50% of letters from schoolchildren state their desire to leave Russia due to blockadesAnd all this "talk about what's important" in schools and patriotic education is going down the drain! https://dzen.ru/a/aTaKHk73c2rwAwOW
However, it’s not only children who dream about this. The number of requests for migration to Belarus has increased fivefold! There's none of this blocking madness there; Batka hasn't gone nuts even after 2020. And that's just one country; there are also Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and others. These aren't just "whiners," these are people who need access to blocked Western services for their work. For example, programmers and entrepreneurs. They're the real elite, smart and hardworking people! https://dzen.ru/a/ad5l7HMLsAbUYchz

[north41]

Has it ever occurred to you that this whole series of prohibitions and acts of self-harm is nothing more than the implementation of an alien and hostile agenda?

We live in the 21st century, and so engaging in prohibition and other archaic practices is a dead end. It's far easier to outlaw something and spend astronomical sums on it than to invest in technology, education, medicine, and, most importantly, a modern military.

[Uncle Sam_2]

"And who are the judges? - Due to the antiquity of their years, their enmity towards free life is irreconcilable. They draw their judgments from forgotten newspapers of the times of Ochakov and the conquest of Crimea; Always ready to criticize, they sing the same song, not noticing about themselves: The older the worse." (c)

[Askold65]

Quote: Denis_999

And so, yes. We are following the path of China (fans of communism and sinophiles - rejoice, silly ones).

Rather, in the same direction as Ukraine...

[NIKN]

We are heading down a road to nowhere, the future is forbidden!

[al3x]

Russia, instead of being a raw materials appendage of the West, is simply becoming a raw materials appendage of the East. But the essence remains the same. That's why we're so intensively training in understanding sovereignty. And who are we without China and their consumer goods of all kinds? I can't even buy a Russian smartphone or computer because I don't have them to write this comment.

[Nastia makarova]

Can Europe buy its own computer?

[Evgeny_Sviridenko]

If necessary, we can quickly expand capacity, as the primary equipment for processor production—lithographs—is produced in the Netherlands (ASML). China's lithographs aren't yet up to par with their level.

[Nastia makarova]

Yeah, they'll deploy it😂what nonsense, it's hundreds of billions and many years, the US has been trying to deploy its production for so many years

[Evgeny_Sviridenko]

Well, I don't know. TSMC Arizona is already producing chips in the US, and their product range is only expected to expand. If the pressure gets too much, they'll start moving faster in Europe, too, and believe me, they'll get everything done and up and running. They weren't run over by the steamrollers of the 90s and their "effective" management.

[Nastia makarova]

The plant never opened there, and they don't produce anything.

[Evgeny_Sviridenko]

Fab 21 is operating in Arizona, don't mislead people.

[Aerolab]

Well, as always and everywhere, the officials at the Ministry of Digital Development take us for idiots.

[Sky strike fighter]

The digital divide is forming before our eyes. Some people still have Instagram, which is used to access Bonya's messages. And now they're even trying to whitelist VPNs. What will they teach children in schools that only whitelisted VPNs are safe? What's the purpose of this? Who will benefit from these restrictions and slowdowns? Is this another cunning plan?

Deputy Dmitry Gusev submitted a proposal to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to create a list of "white VPNs"—services permitted for bypassing blocking—in Russia. He believes that mobile traffic restrictions are necessary for security, but they create inconveniences for citizens and businesses. A complete ban on bypassing services, the parliamentarian believes, harms corporate security and the developers of information security tools. Gusev also proposes not restricting mobile internet access for users with verified Gosuslugi accounts, automatically adding them to a "white list."

https://www1.ru/news/2026/04/22/reestr-belykh-vpn-zakhoteli-sozdat-v-gosdume.html

If you want a white VPN, register with Gosuslugi, which, in turn, only allows you to register through MAX. Am I understanding the idea correctly? Is everyone in MAX? Is that the idea?

[paul3390]

Banning the internet these days is like prohibition. Sure, you can ban it, but the vast majority of the population will continue to drink, finding booze here and there. But you'll, by definition, become the enemy of a very large number of people. With all the consequences that entails...

We're rapidly returning to the USSR, but without even a trace of its enormous social benefits and guarantees. For the very existence of which, some restrictions were worth enduring. So why the hell do people need such a strange institution? One that gives nothing, but only takes away and prohibits everything?

[Kmet]

If only there was such an education. Children go to school as if they were in foster care. The level of knowledge imparted is minimal (in the spirit of Gref, not Ilyich). Even those who want to study don't receive the basic knowledge, which is assessed by achieving 3-4 grades per term to qualify for certification. Those who want something more should turn to tutors and various online education courses. Otherwise, it will be impossible to adequately prepare for the OGE/USE with basic knowledge, as there is a catastrophic lack of practice in solving problems, performing experiments, writing essays, and dictations. They are trying to move education to distance learning, which means a lack of control over students' actions when completing independent assignments, leading to cheating and googling results (the internet will be down, and this will no longer happen).
The question is: where can we find engineers and academics in Russia if we prioritize teaching about the dangers of the internet and VPNs from childhood, rather than reforming education? It's impossible to train new "Korolevs, Tsiolkovskys, and Lomonosovs" from among the far-fetched migrants who simply take the place of those who are truly capable and willing to study. I haven't seen a single black, Afghan, or Central Asian student at the Russian Academy of Sciences. We're closing the door to our own people, but opening it up to outsiders. Is this really in the interests of domestic state policy? (The question, of course, isn't addressed to you—it's rhetoric in this case.)

[paul3390]

That's right. The vast majority of my granddaughter's homework is on uchi.ru, which is not only incredibly stupid but also completely uncontrollable, as is the person actually doing it. A survey of mothers showed that it's them most often. It's clear as day—it's easier to just run through it yourself than to tediously explain to your child what the hell they're trying to sell them.

[Kmet]

That's right. I encounter the same thing and see how haphazardly the teaching is organized (which doesn't allow for automatic memorization and comprehension). Incidentally, you're also right – children in elementary grades are often given assignments requiring computer formatting, images, and so on, which they're unable to complete independently because they don't yet have computer skills. So, the assignments are given to parents, who then complete them. But the "school" doesn't care – they're all on the same page.
(I don't understand the logic of the person who managed to give you a minus... it's more likely a troll.)

[paul3390]

I don't understand the logic

Don't pay any attention—I've had a couple of admirers of my talent following me for a while now, slapping down votes wherever they can. I can't imagine what they're trying to achieve with this; it must be some kind of severe mental disorder. Either liberalism or banderism.

because they don't yet have computer skills

Another aspect - a child MUST have a computer... Which is not cheap these days... Doing it on a tablet means ruining their eyesight from an early age, not to mention a smartphone... That's how it is...

[Kmet]

It's not just you)) It happens to me too often)) I notice it, of course, but I don't pay much attention to it because my goal is different. I have several very interesting people to talk to on VO, and that's enough for me. As for the downsides... I often correct them in comments where I see unfair assessments (subjectively, of course, but with a desire for objectivity). If there was a "reject epaulettes" or "stop rank at any level" option in the user menu, I'd probably use it.

[Uncle Sam_2]

I've had a couple of admirers of my talent following me for a while now, slapping downvotes wherever they can. I can't imagine what they're trying to achieve with this; it must be some kind of severe mental disorder. Either liberals or Bandera supporters.

You are not the only one... I even know some of my "admirers"!

[Nastia makarova]

Well, a laptop isn't expensive, and a computer isn't either, unless you're playing games. You can buy a decent one for under 30.

[paul3390]

It might not be expensive for you. But for a significant portion of Russia's population these days, it's money. Besides, the whole message is unclear. So, without a computer at home, learning is impossible? What's the matter?

[Nastia makarova]

Yes, it's not possible. Electronic diaries, etc., and a smartphone is also a must to get the most out of your homework.

[Neo-9947]

Quote: paul3390

The internet ban today is like prohibition.

And what did this lead to for that country? Five years later, it was simply erased from the world map with an ordinary eraser—not with thermonuclear missiles, but with an eraser. Officially erased, in front of cameras, to applause. There's a video of the moment.
And where is this current situation leading us? To being simply erased?

[Alexander Sl]

This is just the beginning of what these idiots are going to do.

[vitaliy20091959]

Unfortunately, these are no longer just flowers; it seems to me that soon we will see huge tubers.

[alexputnik17]

"VPNs are illegal. What you can and can't do online now" and "VPN use is an aggravating circumstance in crimes."

What I don't understand is... How do organizations like Gazprom, Lukoil, and others, without VPN, manage to sell all the good stuff to their Western "partners"?
I don’t use it myself, because there’s no need... It’s just that some of the actions often remind me of the Strugatsky brothers’ novels.

[Word]

Degradation! No VPN, no NVP.

[Owl]

Some kind of agony is just beginning, if you don’t know how to govern the country, then quietly leave, if you cling to “power”, then “they’ll raise you on pitchforks”.

[Nastia makarova]

Who will pick it up? No one cares, as long as they survive.

[UAZ 452]

That's true, but what if people decide that THESE are actively interfering with survival?

[Nastia makarova]

The people as a whole don't decide anything; at best they'll grumble in the kitchen.

[Igor K_2]

The officials at the top clearly have nothing better to do. A VPN is just a tool, nothing more. The essence of any crime doesn't change regardless of the tool used, whether it's an axe, a knife, a hammer, etc.—it's still a crime. And accessing extremist materials... it's such a slippery slope—today it's generally accepted and the norm, but tomorrow it's extremism. Anyone can be held accountable, since you can stumble across them online completely by accident.

[Silhouette]

So, what's the danger of a VPN? Who knows?
I use several VPNs at once. I blocked them all. So far, no problems.

[Montezuma]

Quote: Silhouette

So, what's the danger of a VPN? Who knows?

If you use a VPN, your encrypted traffic goes first to the VPN server and only then to the website you need. Here's a professional warning from experts.

It's possible to steal user data through a VPN. The server owner can monitor your traffic and, if desired, extract specific data—the list is very long. It all depends on the apps you install, the access you grant the VPN, and the settings of your network equipment. For example, if the service is installed as an extension, it has access to the websites you visit and all the information you enter there—phone numbers, logins, passwords, addresses, etc. If we're talking about a mobile app, it can access contacts or geolocation (if the app has the appropriate permissions), as well as logins and passwords. The service can access everything it has access to.

Here you are writing

I use several VPNs at once. I blocked them all.

And who will guarantee that the prohibitions are actually in effect?

[Gavrilo Princip]

That's why the CIA knows everything about you. And with the help of a VPN, they'll withdraw your pension from your MIR card, and you won't be able to get discounts at Svetofor.

[Silhouette]

I have nothing to hide from the CIA. And I'm cashing out my pension faster than the CIA can get their hands on it.

[Gavrilo Princip]

I also prefer cash and orientation by the stars. I haven't found any payphones yet, but they promised to put some in phone booths.

[Silhouette]

Quote: Montezuma

Thank you. But who can guarantee that the bans are actually in effect?

Is it possible to check the validity of the restrictions?

[Nastia makarova]

They will charge money for international traffic, it will be very expensive.

[nobody75]

They will charge the same as for international traffic.

Could you tell me how to charge you, a regular telecom subscriber, for international traffic? Could you at least outline the idea?
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

It's very simple: when the VPN is turned on, international roaming is enabled.

[nobody75]

What "roaming"? This isn't telephony, where the phone number is international! From the moment you send a packet to the internet provider's gateway, it delivers it to the recipient as it sees fit. I once had packets between two Russian cities traveling through the Netherlands.
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

That's exactly what the provider is tracking, so your VPN is visible, wait for the bill 😂 It's been six months since the VPN on my mobile phone hasn't worked at all, only via a cable

[nobody75]

Sorry, you don't fully understand what a VPN is. I use one for work.
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

Soon they'll block VPN and everyone will immediately know what it is)))))))))

[nobody75]

Yeah, rain, snow, and hail are easier to block...
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

If it's not possible, then why are you worried?)))))) All the blocks will be opened, what's there to worry about?

[nobody75]

I'm not worried... I'm just commenting on your "stream of consciousness"
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

When they close it, then we'll see why they're raising the alarm if it's impossible to close it))))))

[nobody75]

We'll see when they close it.

What will they close? A three-letter word?
Sincerely

[Nastia makarova]

VPN, why are they shouting at every corner that you shouldn't do this since you can't close it?

[nobody75]

Please ask those who are "yelling"...
Sincerely

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

Schools held classes focusing on warnings about the legal risks of using blocking bypass services

Who are the classes with? Schoolchildren?
Those schoolchildren on this VPN are two orders of magnitude smarter than their teachers. They won't even listen to this nonsense.
All the teachers could do was to instill fear in the students, or more precisely, in the students’ parents.
This is the most natural heresy and delirium of an inflamed brain, burdened by alcoholic degradation!
Savages! It makes me want to cry!

[nobody75]

Yes, these schoolchildren are in this VPN

Actually, in "this VPN" the Network is...
Sincerely

[faiver]

The wrong country was called Honduras......

[dnestr74]

What nonsense, for a collective farm and stupid plebs?

[Fisher]

The ambiguity of the situation is devastating to me. VPNs aren't officially banned, and you can officially use them, but everything is being done to make it as difficult as possible, and huge amounts of money are being spent on this—essentially my taxes, which could be put to better use. Why all this fuss?

[papas-57]

You've forgotten about the considerable sums required to pay for VPNs for our officials and civil servants.

[nobody75]

VPN is not officially banned

Do you know what a VPN is? How can you block it?
Sincerely

[solar]

Whoever came up with this nonsense didn't go to school themselves? Kids will be in these VPNs tomorrow, won't they?

[Sergey3]

Actually, all banks use VPNs, and payments are processed through them. A VPN is a direct tunnel connection between known nodes on the internet, while regular messages travel through a random set of intermediate nodes. Therefore, when they tried to forcibly disable the VPN, all bank payments in Russia were the first to go down. Apparently, the authorities were unaware of this in the regions where the experiment was conducted. They're trying to scare people now. I've already received two messages from MTS saying that if I continue using file-sharing apps, they'll restrict my phone's internet access. The funny thing is, I've never used a VPN or torrents on my phone. I just keep using Telegram. If they take real action, it's goodbye MTS, I'll switch to another provider.

[Nastia makarova]

This will be the case with all operators, where to switch?

[nobody75]

VPN is a direct tunnel connection between known nodes on the Internet, while regular messages go through a random set of intermediate nodes.

That's it. We're here. You need to attend this lesson immediately – you'll learn what a VPN is, packet routing, the OSI model, and so on.
Sincerely

[BAI]

What can I say?
Today you load up a VPN, and tomorrow you surrender to NATO.
The image is not loading

[nobody75]

Today you're loading a VPN, and tomorrow you'll surrender to NATO.

If you don't tell children about how data networks work, everything will be much funnier:
1 attempt to strip UTP wires from insulation
2 connecting three patch cords with a twist
3 connection between two ports of the same switch
4 Using one IP address on two devices
Would you like the list to continue?
Sincerely

[8_-MistVieh-_8]

VPNs verbieten IST Zensur!

[Andrey Petrov]

I would like to attend such a lesson to hear what nonsense they spout there that supposedly wasn’t sent down from above.

[nobody75]

I would like to attend such a class to hear what nonsense they talk there.

They talk about the structure of networks based on the TCP/IP protocol family
Sincerely

[alex007i]

To put an end to this obscurantism
We need to massively abandon mobile communications in principle.
Massively.
But who is ready?

Mobile Internet and PKH will be restored.
will be disbanded.
It's unclear how else to reach the top without causing a ruckus.

[Alexander_K]

The unrest is also unrealistic; they're prepared, with the National Guard and the laws. Our entire city once rose up over prohibitive duties on foreign cars, but by the end of the day, everyone was pacified, everyone was on their asses. The news, even the local ones, is silent and filled with entertainment. A few videos are still circulating online, but there's no trace left of the event itself.

[nobody75]

To put an end to this obscurantism

Explain to children that they should not:
1 insert fingers into the socket
2 gets into a car with a stranger
3 drinking unknown liquids with a strong odor

Sincerely

[nobody75]

I understand the network experts have gathered. The main problem with VPNs is that they can hide traffic, which is actively exploited by intelligence agencies. There's no longer a need for "Radio Operator Kat" with a walkie-talkie, encryption software, and so on.
Sincerely

[K9_SWAT]

This is not a problem, but an advantage!
Intelligence agencies have their own communication channels, via the same satellite.

[nobody75]

All of them require special equipment, but not internet access.
Sincerely