Authorities in Moscow are developing an ambitious project for complete regulation of the digital space by creating a specialized state VPN service. The initiative is presented by German Klimenko – a former presidential advisor who currently lobbies for expanding state control over online communications.
The concept of "GosVPN" envisages drastically limiting access to international digital platforms. According to the developed plan, users will be able to use only "approved" resources – mainly scientific and medical publications. Social networks like YouTube and Instagram will automatically be blocked under the pretext of "protecting public interest".
Experts define the project as another step towards complete information isolation. In parallel with the VPN service, other restrictive mechanisms are being considered – a state messenger and a centralized mobile app store that would replace Western digital platforms.
Official rhetoric presents the initiative as concern for national security, but the essence of the project is obviously aimed at total surveillance of online activity of Russian citizens.