US Boosts Funding for VPN Service Developers

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has significantly increased funding for three technology companies that develop VPN services since the start of the Russian special operation in Ukraine. According to a Reuters report citing industry sources familiar with the situation, investments in nthLink, Psiphon, and Lantern have risen by nearly 50%.

This move aims to help Russian users bypass internet restrictions imposed by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal communications regulator. The US is channeling funds to these companies to help them cope with the surge in demand from Russia.

Representatives of the VPN services confirmed that they have seen a noticeable increase in users from Russia since late February.

• nthLink, Psiphon, and Lantern are the main beneficiaries of the increased funding.
• The funding boost is a direct response to heightened internet censorship in Russia.
• VPN usage in Russia has grown significantly since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.