The introduction of a tax on VPNs could be implemented by Russian authorities. According to The Moscow Times, the measure would affect approximately 37 million mobile internet users in the country.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media has asked mobile operators to introduce a fee for consumption over 15 GB of international traffic by the end of March. Initially, the deadline for the implementation of the measure was May 1st. However, the companies proved to be technically unprepared and requested a delay, arguing that they need to set up billing systems and conduct tests.
Some sources from the Russian press suggest that the measure could be implemented after the State Duma elections.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia, there are 188 million subscribers connected to mobile internet in the country. This number exceeds the population of 144 million, as some citizens have multiple active SIM cards.
Mobile phone operators claim that the introduction of a fee for international traffic would be a necessity. However, they have not yet revealed what amount will constitute the tax for VPN. They believe that the population will not want to pay it and, either will reduce the use of this service, or will seek other methods to avoid restrictions in the field of electronic communications.
BBC sources have claimed that each gigabyte over the limit could cost on average 150 rubles.
The interest of the Russians in VPN has increased against the backdrop of the blocking of two of the most popular messaging applications – WhatsApp and Telegram. At the end of March, the head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, announced that his department had received instructions to reduce their use in the country.