Roskomnadzor Proposes State VPN for Developers Cut Off From GitHub and Python
Updated
Updated · Meduza · Jun 8
Roskomnadzor Proposes State VPN for Developers Cut Off From GitHub and Python
2 articles · Updated · Meduza · Jun 8
Summary
Roskomnadzor told Russian software companies on June 8 it wants a unified state-run VPN for developers whose access to GitHub, Linux, Python repositories and Figma has been disrupted.
The proposal followed complaints that Russia’s own VPN blocking was periodically severing access to foreign development tools; deputy head Oleg Terlyakov reportedly did not explain the outages.
Developers were asked to keep reporting incidents for manual fixes, while the regulator also pushed a domestic open-source repository and said details would be discussed at a follow-up meeting.
Industry participants reacted coolly, warning a single government-controlled route would help only some sanctions-related blocks and could make Russian users easier for foreign governments to cut off.
The plan underscores a broader split in Russia’s internet policy: tighter nationwide restrictions are degrading service, even as officials consider carving out privileged access for selected technical users.