Roskomnadzor, Russia's communications watchdog, announced on Friday the ban of 6 commonly used VPNs (virtual private networks), among which are the popular NordVPN and ExpressVPN, that allow access to an increasing number of blocked websites in the country.

The watchdog considered that the use of these VPNs allows access to "prohibited content" and encourages "illegal activities, including those related to the distribution of drugs, child pornography, extremism, and suicidal tendencies."

AFP noted that one such service, NordVPN, was still operating in Russia this afternoon. The authorities stated that it would allow Russian companies that use these networks in their workflow to continue to do so if they were found to be "in compliance with the law."

In 2019, Russia adopted a law to develop a “sovereign internet” independent from major global servers. The authorities deny their desire to build a national network subject to censorship, as promoted by NGOs and some opposition forces.