Is VPN illegal in Russia in 2026? What's allowed and what gets fined
Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia? What the law says in 2026: using a VPN, the fines introduced on 1 September 2025, what counts as VPN advertising, and searching for banned materials.
In short. Using a VPN is not illegal for individuals in Russia and isn't fined by itself. Fines target VPN advertising and deliberately searching for materials listed as extremist. This isn't legal advice.
There's no law banning citizens from using VPNs as of 2026; the authorities restrict VPN services instead — blocking protocols and sites, and getting Apple to remove VPN apps from the Russian App Store. Since 1 March 2024 Roskomnadzor can block materials that promote circumvention tools.
Since 1 September 2025: advertising VPN services costs citizens 50–80k ₽, officials 80–150k ₽ and companies 200–500k ₽; deliberately searching for and accessing materials on the Justice Ministry's extremist list costs citizens 3–5k ₽. Ordinary VPN use for YouTube, messengers or work isn't covered, and discussing VPNs or giving a personal opinion isn't advertising. Your ISP may see that you connect to a VPN but not which sites you open — see does the ISP see your VPN.