Russia to Allocate $660 Million for Enhanced Internet Censorship

Russia's digital development ministry plans to allocate nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to improve its internet censorship system, TSPU. Managed by state regulator Roskomnadzor, TSPU's modernisation aims to enhance capabilities, particularly in countering VPNs used to bypass government restrictions.

Russia's digital development ministry is set to allocate nearly 60 billion roubles ($660 million) over the next five years to enhance its web censorship system, according to a government proposal reviewed by Reuters.

TSPU, the system in question, employs homegrown traffic management tools managed by state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. The document, titled 'Cybersecurity Infrastructure,' outlines investments aimed at purchasing new equipment and software, as well as expanding the system's capabilities. This initiative is part of Roskomnadzor's ongoing efforts to control online content in Russia.

The crackdown on free expression, intensified by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has also targeted VPNs, widely used by Russians to bypass government blocks. Experts suggest the funding will further enable TSPU to restrict access to such tools. While the new measures may complicate bypassing these blocks, developers and users remain motivated to access a free internet.

(With inputs from agencies.)