For the second reading of the "Antifraud 2.0" package of laws in the State Duma, amendments from Mintsifry have been introduced, requiring hosting providers to restrict the provision of computing power to owners of websites and IT systems that provide access to information blocked in Russia. In fact, this refers to a ban on hosting VPN services on Russian servers. The ministry's press service told Kommersant that the amendments are at the stage of coordination with interested departments and organizations, and there is no final version of the document yet.
For hosters, the innovation means a transition from the status of a "technical intermediary" to the status of a "controller," explained RUVDS CEO Nikita Tsaplin. Currently, a provider can ignore what is happening inside the server until a complaint is received from the regulator. After the law is passed, they will be obliged to check clients against Roskomnadzor blacklists, monitor compliance with orders, and refuse service to violators. At the same time, the mechanism for detecting VPN traffic and the criteria for classifying clients as violators are not specified in the document.
Market participants warn that additional costs for compliance will fall on the shoulders of customers. The cost of hosting has already increased by more than 30% due to the VAT hike, rising equipment costs, and the implementation of SORM systems. Integration with Roskomnadzor databases and the need to refuse some customers will lead to further tariff growth. Meanwhile, Runiti (which includes Rucenter, Reg.ru, and other IT companies) believes it is too early to judge the readiness of providers—the norm is in the stage of conceptual development, and the industry has yet to undergo public discussions on technical criteria.
In effect, hosters are being turned into a filtering link without clear control tools. The restrictions will affect not only public VPNs but also corporate tunnels generating significant traffic. The adoption of the amendments will close the possibility of data forwarding to foreign servers through Russian infrastructure; however, the price will be more expensive hosting for all clients and the departure of some services to foreign jurisdictions.