Russia Wants To Build a State-Run VPN. What Could Go Wrong

Russia's move toward a state-run VPN underscores a paradox: authorities seek to control information even as they consider a tool that could circumvent censorship. Roskomnadzor reportedly pitched the idea at a June 8 meeting that included leaders from Russia's tech sector, such as Yandex, VK, InfoWatch, and Positive Technologies, according to The Bell. The proposal would offer a government-backed VPN to IT developers needing access to resources outside Russia and would include troubleshooting for foreign tools; public confirmation has not been provided. Experts reacted with skepticism. Natalya Kovaleva of Chatham House called the scheme puzzling and questioned its feasibility, while exiled journalist Dmitry Kolezev described it as a joke and possibly expensive. Igor Ashmanov labeled the idea as helpless and technically unfeasible; the discussion takes place amid Russia's two-decade push for a 'Sovereign Internet.' Roskomnadzor did not respond to requests for comment, and The Bell's report remains unconfirmed by regulators.