Russia toughens restrictions on VPNs amid internet crackdown

Moscow: Russia has hardened its restrictions on the use of VPNs to access a host of online services, state and independent media outlets reported Wednesday, as the authorities seek to exert more control over online communications.

Virtual private networks (VPNs) allow users to mask the websites they visit, enhancing security by making it more difficult for telecoms networks or security services to access data.