Russian Federation
Russian FederationWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 96 (extreme). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 14 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.The United Kingdom maintains a sanctions regime in respect of Russia under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018. Source.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 95 (extreme). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 12 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.The European Union maintains restrictive measures in this respect: Restrictive measures in view of the situation in Russia Source.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 42 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 88 (extreme). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 88 (extreme). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 85 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.
For Africa nationals: 88 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 86 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 88 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 86 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 88 (extreme). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 4 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, Russian Federation requires a visa in advance, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence14 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 61% of full strength.
Why this score (21 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored RUS 0 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored RUS 0 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 1.40 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 0.77 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Russia: avoid_all_travel_to_whole_country.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-18 · written for GBR nationals
Russia: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
Russian Federation (Russische Föderation): Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-06-30 · written for DEU nationals
EU countries said MaxApp was used for repression of critics of Russia’s war against Ukraine and of people who posted other content banned by authorities.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-14 · extracted by language model
On 7th October, Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, banned two novels by the writer Olga Ptitseva, Dvesti trety den zimy (The 203rd Day of Winter) and Vesna vody (Spring of Water), and ordered their withdrawal from public circulation.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-14 · extracted by language model
Under the new amendment , people can be fined between RUB 3,000 and 5,000 (approximately USD 33 to 55) for searching for or accessing “extremist materials/information” — including through VPNs — even if those websites are already officially blocked.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-29 · extracted by language model
All protests were prohibited, independent media and social media shut down (apart from YouTube and Telegram, there are only Russia-based social media platforms that are heavily censored ).
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-02-08 · extracted by language model
According to a statement by the organisation, the designation makes a wide range of interactions with OVD-Info illegal or severely restricted in Russia, including financial support, volunteering and the public sharing of its materials.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-14 · extracted by language model
Russians and U.S. citizens have been detained for posts on social media.
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals · extracted by language model
Any association with the group is now a criminal offence.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-05-28 · extracted by language model
These ambiguous provisions provide legal grounds for targeting peaceful activists, independent media, and minority groups under the pretense of national security.
Emerging Europe, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-04-09 · extracted by language model
Not only are they blocked , but technically, one could be arrested for sharing links or putting a logo on a webpage.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-01-16 · extracted by language model
Russian authorities have continued to use punitive actions to prosecute journalists working in exile and within the country’s borders.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-04-22 · extracted by language model
Under the law adopted on 4 March – a major amendment to the 2019 law on disinformation – publishing information about the Russian armed forces that is deemed to be “false” or to have “discredited” them is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2022-09-05 · extracted by language model
Displaying certain symbols, including the rainbow flag, is a crime.
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals · extracted by language model
The journalist-turned-YouTuber was previously sentenced to nearly two years in prison in absentia for violating Russia’s “foreign agent” laws.
The Moscow Times feed · observed 2026-09-23 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
4 excluded sources
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-09-20: aged out after 2 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2022-07-01: aged out after 4 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-03-29: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-11-10: aged out after 3 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence9 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 61% of full strength.
Why this score (16 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 16.59 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored Russia 10 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion are commonplace.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
36.18% of all spam emails were sent from Russia
Kaspersky Securelist feed · observed 2025-02-19 · extracted by language model
Last December, we discovered a new group targeting Russian businesses and government agencies with ransomware.
Kaspersky Securelist feed · observed 2024-10-18 · extracted by language model
Russian-backed hackers have launched a global cyber campaign to gain access to Signal and WhatsApp accounts used by officials, military personnel, and journalists, two intelligence agencies in the Netherlands warned on Monday, March 9.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-03-10 · extracted by language model
This previously unidentified actor is targeting users worldwide—including in Russia, Brazil, Germany, Belarus and Kazakhstan—by spreading trojanized versions of popular games via torrent sites.
Kaspersky Securelist feed · observed 2025-02-18 · extracted by language model
31.45% of all spam email was sent from Russia
Kaspersky Securelist feed · observed 2024-03-07 · extracted by language model
It has been used in attacks against organizations in the Russian Federation, primarily in the manufacturing sector, and attributed to the Toy Ghouls group by open-source intelligence (link in Russian).
Kaspersky Securelist feed · observed 2026-07-30 · extracted by language model
The Foreign Office said the GRU “regularly” seeks to conduct hybrid operations, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns, sometimes using criminal intermediaries.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-04 · extracted by language model
UK National Cyber Security Centre: UK and partners expose Russian state-supported actors for new ‘zero-click’ phishing campaign targeting Western organisations
UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories · observed 2026-07-23
UK National Cyber Security Centre: UK and Allies urge critical sectors to improve defences against Russian intelligence targeting
UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories · observed 2026-07-13
Last year, the FBI warned that hackers linked to the FSB's Center 16 were exploiting a years-old Cisco vulnerability to collect configuration files from thousands of network devices associated with critical infrastructure operators.
The Register feed · observed 2026-06-02 · extracted by language model
Russia State-Sponsored Hackers Turn Hotel and Conference Wi-Fi Networks Into Malware Delivery Systems
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-08-04 · extracted by language model
Russia State-Sponsored Hackers Turn Hotel and Conference Wi-Fi Networks Into Malware Delivery Systems
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-08-04 · extracted by language model
Hackers linked to Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service intercepted hotel Wi-Fi worldwide to steal officials’ and executives’ data
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-08-05 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
2 excluded sources
- Kaspersky Securelist feed, observed 2024-08-14: aged out after 2 years.
- Kaspersky Securelist feed, observed 2024-08-05: aged out after 2 years.
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
Why this score (6 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored RUS 0 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Russia: avoid_all_travel_to_whole_country.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-18 · written for GBR nationals
Russia: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
Russian Federation (Russische Föderation): Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-06-30 · written for DEU nationals
However, if you refuse to release your device, you may face substantial delays entering Russia due to continued questioning and pressure to cooperate, including threats of legal action.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-18 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
good confidence5 independent sources
Why this score (6 sources)
Widespread restrictions. In Russia, a licence is required for distributing encryption facilities, maintaining encryption facilities, providing encryption services, and developing and manufacturing encryption facilities. The Federal Security Service can compel the provision of any information necessary to decrypt encrypted messaging.
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 1.09 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI confirmed blocking on 63,829 of 1,218,191 measurements of anonymity and censorship circumvention tools in RUS over the 90 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 5.24 percent, with 309,632 further results inconclusive.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
In addition, Russian authorities have already declared a war on VPNs: they use DPI to identify and block many common VPN protocols.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-10-07 · extracted by language model
Additionally, a new law now classifies the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) as an aggravating circumstance in crimes, which can make offenses more serious in the eyes of the law and attract stiffer penalties.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-29 · extracted by language model
Die Nutzung eines VPNs ist in Russland nicht untersagt, sie wird jedoch kontrolliert und zunehmend behindert; die Nutzung eines nicht verifizierten VPNs ist strafbar.
Our translation: The use of a VPN is not prohibited in Russia, but it is monitored and increasingly obstructed; using an unverified VPN is punishable by law.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence9 independent sources
Why this score (10 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored RUS 0 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 0.44 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 1.02 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored RUS 0.09 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
Some security researchers say MAX may allow authorities to spy on users’ activity, with one report saying it could detect the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) and share address book details.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-06-26 · extracted by language model
You could also experience surveillance by the authorities simply because you are a foreigner.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Restrictive measures were also imposed on Citadel, VAS Experts and Norsi-Trans – companies that manufacture, develop, and sell hardware and software related to a surveillance system that monitors phone calls, emails, text messages, and social networks.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-14 · extracted by language model
De Russische autoriteiten houden het communicatieverkeer in de gaten en onderdrukken de vrijheid van meningsuiting.
Our translation: The Russian authorities monitor communications and suppress freedom of expression.
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies · observed 2026-10-16 · written for NLD nationals · extracted by language model
U.S. citizens should assume all electronic communications and devices in Russia are monitored by Russian security services.
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals · extracted by language model
To the radio direction-finding system that monitors the activity of alleged subversive and drug trafficking groups and the communications of neighboring armies, the Russians have added the SORM-3 software to spy and listen to the communications of their “targets”, as well as the so-called “internal enemies” of Daniel Ortega’s dictatorship, according to sources.
Confidencial, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-08-27 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
3 excluded sources
- Kaspersky Securelist feed, observed 2024-08-05: aged out after 2 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-11-10: aged out after 3 years.
- MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-07-01: aged out after 2 years.
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence17 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 68% of full strength.
Why this score (40 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 1.77 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 0.96 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 261,165 confirmed and 1,885,154 anomalous results across 5,949,013 web connectivity measurements in RUS over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 4.39 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
Russia - Level 4: Do Not Travel
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-12-29 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for Russia: avoid_all_travel_to_whole_country.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-18 · written for GBR nationals
Russia: Avoid all travel
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
Russian Federation (Russische Föderation): Reisewarnung: travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-06-30 · written for DEU nationals
The Telegram crackdown comes on top of widespread internet shutdowns, which have cut off many Russians from reliable information as Putin’s popularity declines and tensions grow over the war in Ukraine.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-06-26 · extracted by language model
The internet domains of WhatsApp, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and a number of other media outlets, including BBC News, Deutsche Welle, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Russian service Radio Svoboda, have become inaccessible since Tuesday to Russian users, according to media reports .
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-11 · extracted by language model
Russia said on Wednesday, August 13, that it had started restricting some WhatsApp — owned by Meta Platforms — and Telegram calls, accusing the foreign-owned platforms of failing to share information with law enforcement in fraud and terrorism cases.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-08-14 · extracted by language model
Aktuell kommt es regelmäßig zu Internetsperren, -shutdowns und Geschwindigkeitsdrosselungen, die meist auf einzelne Städte, Stadtteile (auch Moskaus und St. Petersburgs) bzw. Regionen begrenzt bleiben.
Our translation: Currently, internet blockages, shutdowns and speed throttling occur regularly, usually remaining limited to individual cities, districts (including those of Moscow and St. Petersburg) or regions.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X and LinkedIn are blocked in Russia.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-09-18 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
Según medios independientes rusos, la popular red de mensajería ya es inaccesible sin el uso de servicios VPN para eludir los bloqueos.
Our translation: According to independent Russian media, the popular messaging network is already inaccessible without the use of VPN services to circumvent the blocks.
Confidencial, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-03-26 · extracted by language model
Russia’s state communications regulator has introduced restrictions on Telegram, an important platform for public and private communications in the country, over what it says is a failure by the company to delete extremist content.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-02-19 · extracted by language model
According to Telegram Chanel “Na svyazi” which follows daily mobile internet shut downs, for example, on September 27, 2025, 54 regions of Russia reported mobile internet shutdowns .
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-10-07 · extracted by language model
According to Russian internet monitoring project Na Svyazi , authorities shut down the internet more than 650 times in June alone, most frequently in the cities of Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, Tula, Omsk, and Rostov.
Access Now feed · observed 2025-07-28 · extracted by language model
Meduza’s website was blocked in Russia following its condemnation of the Ukraine war.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-09-20 · extracted by language model
All protests were prohibited, independent media and social media shut down (apart from YouTube and Telegram, there are only Russia-based social media platforms that are heavily censored ).
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2024-02-08 · extracted by language model
If you travel to Russia with a foreign SIM card, you will not be able to access mobile internet, SMS or other services for at least 24 hours after your arrival.
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-16 · written for CAN nationals · extracted by language model
Einige Social-Media Plattformen – u.a. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal und viele Funktionen von Telegram – funktionieren nur noch mit einem Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Our translation: Some social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal and many functions of Telegram—only work with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) now.
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-16 · written for DEU nationals · extracted by language model
The implications of the whitelist model are simple: stable access is only assured to services approved in advance by the state.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-03-12 · extracted by language model
But today, there is no Western social media platform operating in Russia: all of them were blocked for “non-compliance” with Russian laws (at the moment, only messengers Telegram and WhatsApp, and Chinese TikTok are still present).
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-01-16 · extracted by language model
A study by GreatFire , a project which was originally created to monitor censorship in China, concluded on 25 September that nearly 100 VPN apps had been removed from Apple’s Russian App Store, including 25 at Roskomnadzor’s request in July 2024.
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-12-24 · extracted by language model
The Committee to Protect Journalists urges Apple Inc. to reinstate two mobile apps belonging to the U.S. Congress-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which were removed from the Russian App Store at the request of state media regulator Roskomnadzor.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-10-24 · extracted by language model
Since the beginning of the Kremlin’s full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, authorities have permanently blocked Russian access to international and local independent media websites, as well as social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, X , and YouTube.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-09-03 · extracted by language model
In another innovation, the prosecutor general’s office can now legally suspend any media outlet (print, radio, TV or website), or prevent its registration without reference to a court.
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2022-09-05 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-25
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-24, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-24
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-23, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-23
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-22, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-22
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-21, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-21
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-20, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-20
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting Russian Federation in the 7 days to 2026-08-19, with an aggregate disruption score of 47.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-08-19
Moscow restricts mobile internet during Russia's Victory Day parade amid fears of Ukrainian strikes
The Kyiv Independent, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-05-09 · extracted by language model
В России четвёртый год подряд август стал пиком блокировок интернета
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-08-04 · extracted by language model
Уже несколько месяцев блокировки интернета и телеграма портят жизнь миллионам россиян.
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-05-25 · extracted by language model
Россияне возвращаются к наличным из-за отключений интернета
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-05-05 · extracted by language model
Власти России могут приостановить блокировки интернета и Telegram из-за недовольства граждан
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-04-14 · extracted by language model
El bloqueo de Internet en Rusia abre una brecha en las élites y hunde la popularidad de Putin - elDiario.es
Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results · observed 2026-04-26 · extracted by language model
Kamchatka Braces for Near-Total Internet Shutdown Amid Undersea Cable Repairs
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- RFE/RL, via a site scoped search, observed 2021-12-08: aged out after 5 years.
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
moderate confidence1 independent source
Why this score (1 source)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored RUS 1.02 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
1 excluded source
- Civil Georgia, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-09-23: aged out after 2 years.
Trend
The overall score is up 5.3 points over 61 days, from 79.3 to 84.6. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for Russian Federation. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 30 sources: Access Now feed; Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Confidencial, via a site scoped search; Emerging Europe, via a site scoped search; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Kaspersky Securelist feed; Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies; Multiple, via Google News, Google News search results; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Rappler, via a site scoped search; Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search; The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1; The Kyiv Independent, via a site scoped search; The Moscow Times feed; The Record feed; The Register feed; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; UK NCSC and US CISA, National cyber agency attribution advisories; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.