Russian Cyber Police deny reports of phone checks over VPN use

The Russian Cyber Police have denied reports that officers were inspecting citizens’ mobile phones for VPN services and messaging apps.

“In several Telegram channels, messages are circulating claiming that police are examining citizens’ mobile devices for VPN use and messaging apps. This information is false and is being spread to increase social tension,” said the Department for Combating the Illegal Use of Information and Communication Technologies of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The ministry emphasised that no such inspections are being conducted, and citizens’ phones are not being checked for VPNs or other applications.

Officials also clarified that using VPN services is not a violation of current Russian law. However, legislation does restrict the dissemination of information that promotes ways to bypass access restrictions to illegal content. The law allows limiting access to online resources that advertise services or methods to bypass blocks.

“While we do inform citizens about potential risks associated with certain internet resources and services, our main task is to prevent cybercrime. Using VPN services increases the risk of data leaks but does not carry any legal liability,” the Cyber Police stressed.