How Businesses Can Handle VPN Blocks in Russia

The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation has issued recommendations for companies facing restrictions when using VPN services for remote employee access or connecting servers into a single network. This initiative aims to simplify the process of lifting blocks imposed by Roskomnadzor, which may occur due to limitations on VPN protocols.

What to Do If Your VPN Is Blocked

If your company encounters difficulties using VPN, it is recommended to first contact Roskomnadzor. In most cases, lists of companies are submitted to Roskomnadzor through relevant government agencies. However, if your agency has not notified Roskomnadzor about your company, you can do it yourself by calling 8-495-748-13-18 or sending an email to [email protected].

Your request should include the company name, the IP addresses in use, and the types of VPN services and protocols you are using. After verification, Roskomnadzor will add your company’s IP addresses to a “whitelist,” restoring VPN access for them.

If Problems Persist

If issues remain after contacting Roskomnadzor, companies are advised to reach out to the Ministry of Digital Development by emailing [email protected].

Upcoming Changes for VPN Services

It’s important to note that starting March 1, 2024, a new order will take effect: VPN services that provide access to websites banned in Russia will be blocked by Roskomnadzor across all marketplaces.

Summary

These recommendations are part of the Russian government’s efforts to regulate the use of VPN services and provide companies with clear steps to legalize VPN usage for legitimate business purposes.