Russia has significantly stepped up its crackdown on virtual private networks, blocking hundreds of VPN services in a bid to tighten control over internet access. The move is part of a broader effort by authorities to regulate online activity and limit access to restricted content.


Russia: Hundreds of VPNs Blocked, Government Seeks Tighter Control Over Web Access

VPNs banned in Jammu and Kashmir for two months over security threatsJammu and Kashmir authorities have banned Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the Union Territory for the next two months, citing security concerns. District Commissioners in all districts issued the orders, with District Magistrates stating that the move is necessary to safeguard public security and protect sensitive data. &nbsp;Sources in the security establishment stated that authorities are enforcing the ban due to concerns over public safety and law and order. In recent months, security forces have reported that terrorists and terror organisations have been using VPNs to communicate with their handlers across the border in Pakistan. &nbsp;The orders issued by the administration note that VPNs could potentially be used to bypass lawful monitoring, access encrypted platforms, coordinate activities that disrupt public order, or spread misleading or inflammatory content. Authorities have described the measures as preventive and temporary, emphasising that they are intended to protect public safety and cybersecurity, rather than to criminalise ordinary internet use.“As you can appreciate, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is highly dynamic, and assessments are routinely conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and District Administration. In recent times, there have been instances involving anti-national and anti-social elements using networks for illegal activities. To closely monitor such activities, the concerned District Commissioners and police counterparts conducted an assessment, leading to the decision to invoke the relevant provisions of the BNS. The aim is solely to ensure robust security and bring these elements to justice. There is no other intention behind this measure. It is temporary, being enforced for a couple of months, and the situation will be reviewed regularly. If deemed unnecessary, the restrictions can be lifted even earlier,” said Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.While authorities frame these measures as essential for security, Political parties have raised concerns about their implications for privacy, proportionality, and everyday users. They warn that blanket restrictions could disrupt residents who depend on VPNs for legitimate purposes, while doing little to address the underlying social or political tensions driving unrest in the region. &nbsp;“Jammu and Kashmir is engulfed in a sense of hopelessness. VPNs have been banned, and freedom of speech is virtually non-existent. The current government, which was elected to address these issues, remains silent, doing nothing to engage with the people’s concerns. This inaction has deepened the despair among residents,” said Iltija Mufti, PDP Leader.The Jammu and Kashmir Police have reported that approximately 1,100 individuals have been identified using VPNs since the ban was imposed in the region. Authorities have advised the public to refrain from using VPNs.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have reported that approximately 1,100 individuals have been identified using VPNs since the ban was imposed in the region.

VPNs banned in Jammu and Kashmir for two months over security threats Jammu and Kashmir authorities have banned Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) across the Union Territory for the next two months, citing security concerns. District Commissioners in all districts issued the orders, with District Magistrates stating that the move is necessary to safeguard public security and protect sensitive data. Sources in the security establishment stated that authorities are enforcing the ban due to concerns over public safety and law and order. In recent months, security forces have reported that terrorists and terror organisations have been using VPNs to communicate with their handlers across the border in Pakistan. The orders issued by the administration note that VPNs could potentially be used to bypass lawful monitoring, access encrypted platforms, coordinate activities that disrupt public order, or spread misleading or inflammatory content. Authorities have described the measures as preventive and temporary, emphasising that they are intended to protect public safety and cybersecurity, rather than to criminalise ordinary internet use. “As you can appreciate, the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is highly dynamic, and assessments are routinely conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and District Administration. In recent times, there have been instances involving anti-national and anti-social elements using networks for illegal activities. To closely monitor such activities, the concerned District Commissioners and police counterparts conducted an assessment, leading to the decision to invoke the relevant provisions of the BNS. The aim is solely to ensure robust security and bring these elements to justice. There is no other intention behind this measure. It is temporary, being enforced for a couple of months, and the situation will be reviewed regularly. If deemed unnecessary, the restrictions can be lifted even earlier,” said Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. While authorities frame these measures as essential for security, Political parties have raised concerns about their implications for privacy, proportionality, and everyday users. They warn that blanket restrictions could disrupt residents who depend on VPNs for legitimate purposes, while doing little to address the underlying social or political tensions driving unrest in the region. “Jammu and Kashmir is engulfed in a sense of hopelessness. VPNs have been banned, and freedom of speech is virtually non-existent. The current government, which was elected to address these issues, remains silent, doing nothing to engage with the people’s concerns. This inaction has deepened the despair among residents,” said Iltija Mufti, PDP Leader. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have reported that approximately 1,100 individuals have been identified using VPNs since the ban was imposed in the region. Authorities have advised the public to refrain from using VPNs.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have reported that approximately 1,100 individuals have been identified using VPNs since the ban was imposed in the region.

VPNs banned in Jammu and Kashmir for two months over security threats

Pakistan's telecom watchdog made it clear that no virtual private network (VPNs) was blocked in the country, nor it planned to do so in the future despite having the capability.

Pakistan Can, But Have Not Blocked Any VPNs: Regulator

Pakistan Has Not Blocked VPNs: Regulator

Pakistan's telecom watchdog made it clear that no virtual private network (VPNs) was blocked in the country, nor it planned to do so in the future despite having the capability.



Russia as per reports plans to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and protocols that it deems a threat. As per&nbsp;Russian state news agency RIA report, only certain VPN networks face the threat of a ban.

<h2>Which VPN services are vulnerable?</h2>

The RIA news agency report did not mention any particular VPN networks, instead, it said that certain Virtual Private Networks and protocols which are believed to be a threat will be banned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-zelensky-lie-all-this-while-new-report-claims-ukrainian-military-officer-coordinated-nord-stream-sabotage-657729">Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage</a>

Quoting correspondence from Russian digital ministry, it reported that a commission of experts will take the decision about whether a VPN poses a threat or not.

<h2>Russian lawmaker expresses concern</h2>

Lawmaker Anton Tkachev has voiced concerns about alleged plans by the Russian government to effectively block all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).&nbsp;

Tkachev argued that implementing a broad restriction on all VPNs would intensify pressure on Russians, restricting their access to everyday devices. The move, if enforced, could impact citizens' ability to use common household appliances that rely on internet connectivity, he said.

Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-air-defenders-shot-down-russian-missiles-as-kyiv-pounded-for-first-attack-in-months-657697">Ukraine's air defenders shoot down Russian missiles as Kyiv is pounded for first time in months</a>

In response to Tkachev's address, the digital ministry as quoted by the RIA has issued a reply. It said that "On the basis of a decision by the expert commission… the filtration of certain VPN services and VPN protocols can be carried out on the mobile communication network for foreign traffic which is identified as a threat."

<h2>Russia and VPNs</h2>

Russia as per Reuters put in place restrictions on access to certain Western social media platforms after President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops into Ukraine in February 2022.&nbsp;

Following that, the demand for VPN services experienced a significant surge. According to RIA, the Russian digital ministry has identified this circumvention of restrictions on specific information as a potential threat.

Previously, in 2017, Russia implemented a law mandating VPN technology providers to collaborate with Russian authorities, compelling them to restrict access to content banned by Russia. Failure to comply with this law could result in prohibition. However, despite these regulations, VPN services continue to be widely used in Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia as per reports plans to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and protocols that it deems a threat. As per Russian state news agency RIA report, only certain VPN networks face the threat of a ban.

Russia as per reports plans to block Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and protocols that it deems a threat. As per Russian state news agency RIA report, only certain VPN networks face the threat of a ban. Which VPN services are vulnerable? The RIA news agency report did not mention any particular VPN networks, instead, it said that certain Virtual Private Networks and protocols which are believed to be a threat will be banned. Also read | Did Zelensky lie all this while? New report claims Ukrainian military officer coordinated Nord Stream sabotage Quoting correspondence from Russian digital ministry, it reported that a commission of experts will take the decision about whether a VPN poses a threat or not. Russian lawmaker expresses concern Lawmaker Anton Tkachev has voiced concerns about alleged plans by the Russian government to effectively block all Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Tkachev argued that implementing a broad restriction on all VPNs would intensify pressure on Russians, restricting their access to everyday devices. The move, if enforced, could impact citizens' ability to use common household appliances that rely on internet connectivity, he said. Also read | Ukraine's air defenders shoot down Russian missiles as Kyiv is pounded for first time in months In response to Tkachev's address, the digital ministry as quoted by the RIA has issued a reply. It said that "On the basis of a decision by the expert commission… the filtration of certain VPN services and VPN protocols can be carried out on the mobile communication network for foreign traffic which is identified as a threat." Russia and VPNs Russia as per Reuters put in place restrictions on access to certain Western social media platforms after President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Following that, the demand for VPN services experienced a significant surge. According to RIA, the Russian digital ministry has identified this circumvention of restrictions on specific information as a potential threat. Previously, in 2017, Russia implemented a law mandating VPN technology providers to collaborate with Russian authorities, compelling them to restrict access to content banned by Russia. Failure to comply with this law could result in prohibition. However, despite these regulations, VPN services continue to be widely used in Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to ban VPN services 'identified as a threat'

A US jury has ordered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-iphone-12-dont-get-tricked-by-the-5g-gimmick-335478">Apple</a> to pay $503 million for infringing virtual private network(VPN) technology patented by software security firm VirnetX.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-google-and-a-deal-that-controls-the-internet-337885">Also Read:&nbsp;Apple, Google and a deal that controls the internet</a>

The legal case involved data transmission security in devices of Apple devices in iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Nevada based VirnetX had alleged that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-iphone-12-series-check-out-prices-availability-specs-and-more-335137">Apple</a> used its patented technology for its products. Apple had challenged the VirnetX patent. Cases like this only serve to stifle innovation and harm consumers," Apple said.

The two companies have been involved in the case for the past 10 years. VirnetX had told the court that VPN on Demand and Apple’s FaceTime were using its patent and had demanded $700 million.

An Apple spokesperson said: “We thank the jury for their time and appreciate their consideration but are disappointed with the verdict and plan to appeal, adding,"with patents that are unrelated to the core operations of our products and have been found to be invalid by the patent office."

After the verdict, VirnetX stocks soared even as Apple closed day almost unchanged.

Apple shares had fallen nearly 5 per cent in premarket trading on Thursday after it reported a steep fall in iPhone sales in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

However, other tech giants &nbsp;Facebook, Amazon and Google's Alphabet showed strong profit even as US authorities have filed an antitrust complaint against Google and are reportedly considering action against Facebook.

"Even the strongest free expression advocates don't think you should be able to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said, adding,"Our policies try to balance free expression and safety as well."

A US jury has ordered Apple to pay $503 million for infringing virtual private network(VPN) technology patented by software security firm VirnetX.

The legal case involved data transmission security in devices of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-iphone-12-launch-event-today-what-to-expect-when-to-watch-and-more-334973">Apple</a> devices in iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Nevada based VirnetX had alleged that Apple used its patented technology for its products. Apple had challenged the VirnetX patent. Cases like this only serve to stifle innovation and harm consumers," Apple said.

The two companies have been involved in the case for the past 10 years. VirnetX had told the court that VPN on Demand and Apple’s FaceTime were using its patent and had demanded $700 million.

An Apple spokesperson said: “We thank the jury for their time and appreciate their consideration but are disappointed with the verdict and plan to appeal, adding,"with patents that are unrelated to the core operations of our products and have been found to be invalid by the patent office."

After the verdict, VirnetX stocks soared even as Apple closed day almost unchanged.

Apple shares had fallen nearly 5 per cent in premarket trading on Thursday after it reported a steep fall in iPhone sales in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

However, other tech giants &nbsp;Facebook, Amazon and Google's Alphabet showed strong profit even as US authorities have filed an antitrust complaint against Google and are reportedly considering action against Facebook.

"Even the strongest free expression advocates don't think you should be able to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said, adding,"Our policies try to balance free expression and safety as well."

A US jury has ordered Apple to pay $503 million for infringing virtual private network(VPN) technology patented by software security firm VirnetX. Also Read: Apple, Google and a deal that controls the internet The legal case involved data transmission security in devices of Apple devices in iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

A US jury has ordered Apple to pay $503 million for infringing virtual private network(VPN) technology patented by software security firm VirnetX. Also Read: Apple, Google and a deal that controls the internet The legal case involved data transmission security in devices of Apple devices in iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Nevada based VirnetX had alleged that Apple used its patented technology for its products. Apple had challenged the VirnetX patent. Cases like this only serve to stifle innovation and harm consumers," Apple said. The two companies have been involved in the case for the past 10 years. VirnetX had told the court that VPN on Demand and Apple’s FaceTime were using its patent and had demanded $700 million. An Apple spokesperson said: “We thank the jury for their time and appreciate their consideration but are disappointed with the verdict and plan to appeal, adding,"with patents that are unrelated to the core operations of our products and have been found to be invalid by the patent office." After the verdict, VirnetX stocks soared even as Apple closed day almost unchanged. Apple shares had fallen nearly 5 per cent in premarket trading on Thursday after it reported a steep fall in iPhone sales in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, other tech giants Facebook, Amazon and Google's Alphabet showed strong profit even as US authorities have filed an antitrust complaint against Google and are reportedly considering action against Facebook. "Even the strongest free expression advocates don't think you should be able to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said, adding,"Our policies try to balance free expression and safety as well." A US jury has ordered Apple to pay $503 million for infringing virtual private network(VPN) technology patented by software security firm VirnetX. The legal case involved data transmission security in devices of Apple devices in iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Nevada based VirnetX had alleged that Apple used its patented technology for its products. Apple had challenged the VirnetX patent. Cases like this only serve to stifle innovation and harm consumers," Apple said. The two companies have been involved in the case for the past 10 years. VirnetX had told the court that VPN on Demand and Apple’s FaceTime were using its patent and had demanded $700 million. An Apple spokesperson said: “We thank the jury for their time and appreciate their consideration but are disappointed with the verdict and plan to appeal, adding,"with patents that are unrelated to the core operations of our products and have been found to be invalid by the patent office." After the verdict, VirnetX stocks soared even as Apple closed day almost unchanged. Apple shares had fallen nearly 5 per cent in premarket trading on Thursday after it reported a steep fall in iPhone sales in China due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, other tech giants Facebook, Amazon and Google's Alphabet showed strong profit even as US authorities have filed an antitrust complaint against Google and are reportedly considering action against Facebook. "Even the strongest free expression advocates don't think you should be able to yell 'Fire' in a crowded theatre," Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said, adding,"Our policies try to balance free expression and safety as well."

US court orders Apple to pay $503 million to VirnetX in patent case

Apple has removed virtual private network (VPN) services from its app store in China amid criticism from various&nbsp;VPN service provider.

However, users from China with billing address in other countries will have access over the VPN apps. They can approach these apps from other branches of the App Store.&nbsp;

The move has attracted criticism from VPN service provider, which has accused the company of bowing to pressure from Beijing cyber regulators.&nbsp;

VPN prevents China&#39;s &#39;Great Firefall&#39;, thus uplifting the restrictions imposed on its access to overseas sites. The service provider allows users to hide their IP addresses and access blocked or censored online material.

According to reports, Apple has blocked over 60 VPN apps have been banned.

China had initiated laws in January to&nbsp;ban all VPNs that did not have state approval. It wanted to establish VPNs under the state network infrastructure.&nbsp;Beijing has always maintained strict control over the internet. The country has already restricted several China based providers and is now eying the overseas services to further tighten control over the information super highway.&nbsp;

An Apple spokesperson confirmed the&nbsp;removal of apps that do not comply with the law from its China App Store, including services based outside the country.&nbsp;

The apps are available in the tech giant&#39;s store outside China.

This is the first time when Apple has complied with requests to remove overseas providers from its store.&nbsp;

Apple manufactures most of its hardware in China and significantly the country has become a major consumer of its products.&nbsp;Earlier this month Apple also established its first data centre in China, in collaboration with a local company Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry.

ExpressVPN claimed recently that Apple had notified it that its software would be removed from the China App Store as it includes illegal content.&nbsp;

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VPNs removed from China App Store. Dismayed Apple sided w/ censorship, but we&#39;re committed to keeping you connected: <a href="https://t.co/wvVk6IIsD3">https://t.co/wvVk6IIsD3</a>
&mdash; ExpressVPN (@expressvpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/expressvpn/status/891213454996000768">July 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We&#39;re disappointed in this development, as it represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China&#39;s censorship efforts,&quot; ExpressVPN said in a statement.

Other major providers, including VyprVPN and StarVPN, also stated the same response from Apple.&nbsp;

&quot;We view access to Internet in China as a human rights issue and I would expect Apple to value human rights over profit,&quot; Sunday Yokubaitis, President of Golden Frog, which oversees VyprVPN told Reuters.&nbsp;

He also added that Golden Frog is planning to file an appeal to Apple over the ban.

&quot;We are extremely disappointed that Apple has bowed to pressure,&quot; said Yokubaitis. &quot;(It&#39;s been a) disappointing morning but we will fight on.&quot;

According to the VPN providers, though&nbsp;the apps are not available on the app store, it can be installed manually using VPN support built into Apple&#39;s operating system.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Apple has removed applications used to evade China&#39;s net censorship. What does this mean for the already stringent web censorship in the country? WION explores (WION)
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The move has attracted criticism from VPN service provider, which has accused the company of bowing to pressure from Beijing cyber regulators

Apple has removed virtual private network (VPN) services from its app store in China amid criticism from various VPN service provider. However, users from China with billing address in other countries will have access over the VPN apps. They can approach these apps from other branches of the App Store. The move has attracted criticism from VPN service provider, which has accused the company of bowing to pressure from Beijing cyber regulators. VPN prevents China's 'Great Firefall', thus uplifting the restrictions imposed on its access to overseas sites. The service provider allows users to hide their IP addresses and access blocked or censored online material. According to reports, Apple has blocked over 60 VPN apps have been banned. China had initiated laws in January to ban all VPNs that did not have state approval. It wanted to establish VPNs under the state network infrastructure. Beijing has always maintained strict control over the internet. The country has already restricted several China based providers and is now eying the overseas services to further tighten control over the information super highway. An Apple spokesperson confirmed the removal of apps that do not comply with the law from its China App Store, including services based outside the country. The apps are available in the tech giant's store outside China. This is the first time when Apple has complied with requests to remove overseas providers from its store. Apple manufactures most of its hardware in China and significantly the country has become a major consumer of its products. Earlier this month Apple also established its first data centre in China, in collaboration with a local company Guizhou-Cloud Big Data Industry. ExpressVPN claimed recently that Apple had notified it that its software would be removed from the China App Store as it includes illegal content. VPNs removed from China App Store. Dismayed Apple sided w/ censorship, but we're committed to keeping you connected: https://t.co/wvVk6IIsD3 — ExpressVPN (@expressvpn) July 29, 2017 × "We're disappointed in this development, as it represents the most drastic measure the Chinese government has taken to block the use of VPNs to date, and we are troubled to see Apple aiding China's censorship efforts," ExpressVPN said in a statement. Other major providers, including VyprVPN and StarVPN, also stated the same response from Apple. "We view access to Internet in China as a human rights issue and I would expect Apple to value human rights over profit," Sunday Yokubaitis, President of Golden Frog, which oversees VyprVPN told Reuters. He also added that Golden Frog is planning to file an appeal to Apple over the ban. "We are extremely disappointed that Apple has bowed to pressure," said Yokubaitis. "(It's been a) disappointing morning but we will fight on." According to the VPN providers, though the apps are not available on the app store, it can be installed manually using VPN support built into Apple's operating system. Apple has removed applications used to evade China's net censorship. What does this mean for the already stringent web censorship in the country? WION explores (WION) ×

Apple prevents Chinese users from accessing VPN from its app store

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