Russia plans to invest $660 million to bolster its internet censorship system, aiming to block VPNs and control online content.
At a Glance
- Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development to spend $660 million over five years on internet censorship
- The goal is to strengthen tools blocking VPNs and restricting access to content deemed illegal
- Plans include upgrading existing systems and installing new hardware and software
- Critics view these measures as an attack on free speech, while the Kremlin cites national security
Russia’s Massive Investment in Internet Control
The Russian government is set to invest nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to enhance its Internet censorship system, known as TSPU. This significant expenditure, which far exceeds Roskomnadzor’s entire 2023 budget, highlights the Kremlin’s determination to tighten its grip on online information flow within the country.
The primary focus of this initiative is to strengthen tools that block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and restrict access to content deemed illegal or harmful by the Russian government. TSPU employs deep packet inspection (DPI) technology to monitor and block access to services and websites considered problematic by authorities.
Expanding Censorship Infrastructure
The TSPU system, formalized under a 2019 law, requires Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to install government-supplied equipment to ensure Internet stability and security. By 2022, over 6,000 TSPU devices were installed across Russia. The new investment aims to upgrade existing systems, install new ones, and enhance overall capabilities.
The operator of a popular Amzenia VPN group, Mazay Banzaev, told Forbes he is confident that evelopers will continue to find new ways to get around these restrictions, no matter what the Russian government invests or comes up with.
A key component of the expansion is the development of the Automated Security System (ASBI), which aims to boost TSPU’s bandwidth to 725.6 Tbps and increase its efficiency in blocking VPNs. The government’s ambitious goal is to block 96% of VPNs used by Russian citizens to bypass government restrictions.
The Battle Between Censorship and Free Access
Despite the massive investment, experts note that TSPU may still struggle to block all VPN protocols, indicating an ongoing battle between VPN developers and government censors. This struggle is part of a broader campaign against what Russia calls Western information warfare.
Russia to spend $660 million to strengthen its Internet censorship infrastructure: Report https://t.co/684qxIRoex pic.twitter.com/Wj2HGyo9EV
— Tom's Hardware (@tomshardware) September 11, 2024
The initiative is part of a larger government project for digital transformation and data economy development. It includes developing a unified platform to combat fraud and a system to block phishing websites. Russia’s control over Internet content has significantly increased since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with the government blacklisting opposition media and banning foreign social media platforms.
Implications for Free Speech and Information Access
Critics view these measures as an attack on free speech, while the Kremlin positions them as necessary for national security. Digital rights activists warn that new investments in censorship technology will tighten government control but are unlikely to eliminate access to independent information entirely.
Despite government efforts, demand for alternative ways to access the internet remains high among Russian citizens. The ongoing struggle between government control and free access to information continues to intensify, with both sides ramping up their efforts. As the Russian government invests heavily in its censorship infrastructure, the world watches to see how this will impact the flow of information within and beyond Russia’s borders.
