Internet restrictions and prohibited platforms

This page neutrally summarizes the Russian rules you must follow when using the internet and social media in Russia. The information is based solely on the text of Russian laws and official lists. The rules change frequently; new amendments will enter into force on November 3, 2026. For public posts, demonstrations, and prohibited organizations, also see R10.3.

• Websites containing information whose publication is prohibited in Russia are added to the register of domain names and addresses whose access is restricted maintained by the state. The register is maintained by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Роскомнадзор).
• Information explaining how to access restricted sources is also among the grounds for inclusion in this register.
• Owners of tools that provide access to restricted sources (VPNs and similar tools) are prohibited from providing access to these sources from Russia. Access to tools that do not comply with this rule may also be blocked.
• This prohibition does not apply to state information systems or corporate systems used solely for technical purposes by users identified in advance.

• Rules in force since September 1, 2025 (Code of Administrative Offenses, text dated August 4, 2026):
  • Deliberately searching for and accessing extremist (экстремистские) materials: 3,000–5,000 rubles. The rule expressly covers access using tools such as VPNs. These materials are those included in the federal list of extremist materials published by the Ministry of Justice or those specified by law.
  • Advertising tools for accessing restricted sources (VPNs): 50,000–80,000 rubles for individuals.
  • If owners of tools such as VPNs fail to comply with cooperation rules with the state: 50,000–80,000 rubles for individuals; 100,000–200,000 rubles for repeat offenses.
• These provisions contain no additional sanction specifically for foreigners; the penalties apply to everyone in Russia.

• Meta Platforms Inc. is on the Russian Ministry of Justice's list of extremist organizations because of the activities of the Facebook and Instagram social networks (number 96 on the list).
  • Basis: the decision of the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow dated March 21, 2022, and the appellate decision of the Moscow City Court dated June 20, 2022.
• According to the note on the same list, this decision does not cover the WhatsApp messaging application because it does not have a public information-distribution function.
• Publicly displaying the symbols of extremist organizations or propagating them is also an administrative offense (see below).

• Publicly displaying or propagating Nazi symbols or symbols of extremist organizations: a fine of 1,000–2,000 rubles, or up to 15 days of administrative detention, or up to 100 hours of community service; items containing the symbol are confiscated.
  • The use of these symbols in a manner that forms a negative attitude toward Nazism and extremism, and without a propagandistic purpose, is not covered by this provision.
• Public actions aimed at "discrediting" the use of the Russian Armed Forces: 30,000–50,000 rubles. If they include a call for an unauthorized demonstration or a threat to public order: 50,000–100,000 rubles.
• Starting November 3, 2026, new paragraphs will be added to these two provisions (Articles 20.3 and 20.3.3) (294-FZ dated August 4, 2026). Check the current text after the effective date.
• Posts made online may also be considered "public." For details and offenses under the Criminal Code, see R10.3.

• Since June 1, 2025, the following institutions may not use messaging applications owned by foreign companies to inform citizens:
  • state institutions, municipalities and organizations subordinate to them, and the Central Bank
  • state-owned companies and companies in which the state holds a majority stake
  • banks, financial organizations, and payment-system organizations
  • telephone operators
  • certain internet services such as marketplaces and classified-ad websites
• Practical result: do not trust messages received via WhatsApp or Telegram allegedly from "your bank," "the tax office," or "your operator." Call the institution yourself using its official number.

• Stay calm. Ask under which provision action is being taken against you.
• Ask for an interpreter before signing a Russian-language document you do not understand. For your rights, see R10.2.
• Notify the Turkish mission:
  • Embassy of Türkiye in Moscow duty line: +7 906 770 11 90 (weekdays 18:00–09:00 and on public holidays) · Consular switchboard: +7 495 994 93 59
  • Consulate General of Türkiye in Kazan duty line: +7 937 524 93 17
  • Consulate General of Türkiye in Krasnodar duty line: +7 918 632 54 92
  • Consulate General of Türkiye in St. Petersburg duty line: +7 933 340 91 33
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye Consular Call Center (24/7): +90 312 292 29 29
• If legal proceedings begin, consult a lawyer (see R10.5).

• Continuing to use internet habits from Türkiye unchanged in Russia. Rules differ from country to country.
• Sharing content or using symbols without checking the list of prohibited organizations.
• Advertising VPNs or other access tools on social media. The fine for individuals is 50,000–80,000 rubles.
• Trusting messages received via WhatsApp or Telegram in the name of "your bank" or a "state institution."
• Signing a record you do not understand.

• Is using WhatsApp in Russia prohibited? According to the note on the Ministry of Justice list, the extremism decision concerning Meta does not cover WhatsApp. However, state institutions, banks, and operators may not correspond with citizens through foreign messaging applications.
• Is using a VPN a crime? The law imposes obligations on owners of tools such as VPNs and penalizes advertising these tools. For individuals, the penalty is connected to deliberately searching for and accessing extremist materials, even when using these tools (3,000–5,000 rubles). Consult a lawyer if your situation is complicated.
• Is browsing Instagram punishable? The law penalizes "deliberately searching for and accessing extremist materials." Which content falls within this scope is determined according to the Ministry of Justice's lists and the law. If you are unsure, consult a lawyer.
• How can I find out whether a website is blocked in Russia? Restricted sources are included in the register maintained by Roskomnadzor (Article 15.1 of 149-FZ). The agency's websites may not open from abroad; check while in Russia.
• Is there a different rule for foreigners? The provisions on this page contain no additional sanction specifically for foreigners. The penalties apply to everyone in Russia.
• What changes on November 3, 2026? New paragraphs will be added to Articles 20.3 and 20.3.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Check the current text after they enter into force.

• Russian Ministry of Justice: list of organizations recognized as extremist
• Russian Ministry of Justice: federal list of extremist materials
• Federal Law 149-FZ, Article 15.8: rules concerning access tools
• Code of Administrative Offenses, Article 13.53: searching for extremist materials
• Code of Administrative Offenses, Article 20.3.3
• Federal Law 41-FZ, Article 15: prohibition on institutions using foreign messaging applications
• Russian official legal publication portal: 294-FZ