Russia Blocks VPNs, Hurting LGBTQ+ People Most
Russia is making it harder to use VPNs and other tools to access free information online. LGBTQ+ people in Russia depend on these tools to stay safe and informed.
Russia is cracking down on tools that help people access blocked websites. Virtual Private Networks, called VPNs, are being blocked more and more. They are also being removed from app stores.
Human Rights Watch reported this on September 24, 2026. The organization is based in Berlin. It says the Russian government is attacking freedom of expression. This includes the right to access information online.
Hugh Williamson works at Human Rights Watch. He is the director for Europe and Central Asia. He says these actions hurt millions of people in Russia. People use VPNs to access the internet freely. Without VPNs, the government can control what people read and see.
For LGBTQ+ people in Russia, this is especially dangerous. Russia has strict laws against LGBTQ+ content. In 2023, Russia banned the so-called "LGBTQ+ movement" as extremist. Since then, LGBTQ+ Russians face serious risks. They use VPNs to find safe spaces online. They use them to contact support groups. They also use them to access mental health resources.
Without VPNs, LGBTQ+ people lose important lifelines. They cannot safely communicate with each other. They cannot find information about their rights. They cannot reach international LGBTQ+ organizations for help.
Russia has been tightening internet censorship for years. The government blocks thousands of websites. Independent news sites are also blocked. Social media platforms like Instagram are restricted. The crackdown on VPNs makes this censorship even stronger.
Human Rights Watch calls on Russia to stop blocking censorship tools. The organization says access to information is a basic human right. This right belongs to everyone, including LGBTQ+ people.
International human rights groups are watching the situation closely. They warn that the digital crackdown is part of a larger pattern. Russia is increasingly silencing all voices that disagree with the government. LGBTQ+ voices are among the most targeted. The removal of VPN access makes an already dangerous situation worse for queer Russians.