Russia Tests System to Block VPN Users From Global Internet

Russia has begun testing a system capable of cutting off access to the global internet, and early reports indicate that even VPNs cannot circumvent the restrictions. NetBlocks reported that Russia trialed this capacity in Dagestan, where a block reportedly lasted about 24 hours and extended to Chechnya and Ingushetia, according to local outlet Chernovik. The digital development ministry plans to allocate nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over five years to enhance the TSPU web traffic censorship system, which Roskomnadzor controls.