Russia has postponed plans to introduce charges for VPN traffic, according to a report by Kommersant citing a source in the telecommunications sector.

Why was the Measure Postponed?

According to the newspaper’s sources, Russian authorities do not intend to require telecom operators to implement charges for international internet traffic before the State Duma elections, scheduled for September 18-20.

The decision is reportedly linked to concerns about introducing potentially unpopular measures ahead of the parliamentary vote.

What was the Original Proposal?

The proposal reportedly involved introducing separate charges for VPN-related international traffic. Russian authorities have been discussing tighter control over internet access and online services as part of broader digital regulations.

However, no official mechanism for implementing the measure has yet been announced.

Has Any Official Document Been Adopted?

No. Sources told Kommersant that there is currently no formal document defining telecom operators’ obligations regarding VPN traffic charges or establishing a timeline for introducing such measures.

As a result, the proposal remains at the discussion stage.

Why Could the Measure be Difficult to Implement?

A source cited by the newspaper said it remains unclear how telecom operators could technically distinguish VPN traffic from other forms of international internet traffic.

The source also noted that many Russian online services rely on foreign IP addresses, which could complicate any attempt to introduce separate charges for VPN use.

According to the report, this raises questions about whether the measure is technically feasible in practice.

What are VPNs Used For?

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are commonly used to encrypt internet connections, improve privacy, and access online content through foreign servers. In Russia, VPN usage has increased in recent years amid restrictions on various online platforms and services.

What Happens Next?

For now, the reported plans have been delayed until at least September. It remains unclear whether Russian authorities will ultimately move forward with the proposal or how such a system could be implemented if approved.