Russia Cracks Down on Internet Searches and VPNs With New Fines

Russia’s State Duma approved new fines for searching for content considered “extremist” and virtual private network providers that enable access to that material as authorities deepen a long-running crackdown on the internet.

Fines for individuals found to be deliberately searching for prohibited content online, including through the use of a VPN, will face fines of as much as 5,000 rubles ($64), according to amendments published on the State Duma’s website.