Mihail Matveev denounces the measures of the Russian authorities regarding the blocking of the internet and VPNs. He believes that digitalization is being used as a tool of control.

State Duma Deputy, Mihail Matveev, recently criticized the approach of the Russian authorities regarding the blocking of the internet, VPNs, and the messaging application Telegram, calling these measures 'hysteria'. Matveev stated that there is an attempt to use digitalization as a control tool, aiming to 'build a digital concentration camp'. He emphasized the hypocrisy of the authorities, who urge the abandonment of imported products but prefer these products themselves.

Additionally, Matveev mentioned that on March 30, the authorities were discussing the introduction of taxes and fines for the use of VPNs, confirmed by the head of the Ministry of Digitalization, Maksut Shadaev. These measures could include blocking access to important platforms such as Wildberries, Ozon, and Yandex. The Ministry of Digitalization also requested the introduction of a fee for international traffic consumption over 15 GB per month, as part of efforts to limit the use of VPNs. Mihail Klimarev, president of the 'Society for the Protection of the Internet', stated that these proposals are related to the increasing interest of Russians in means to bypass blocks.