Russia’s internet crackdown is cutting developers off from GitHub and Python. The government’s proposed fix? A VPN controlled by the government. Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, is proposing a “state VPN” for developers struggling with internet restrictions that block access to foreign code repositories like GitHub. Developers expressed concerns that this centralized system could be easily blocked by foreign governments and create a tiered access system. The agency also suggested creating a domestic open-source software repository.

• Roskomnadzor plans to create a “state VPN” for Russian software developers facing internet restrictions.
• Developers have lost access to foreign tools such as GitHub, Linux, and Python repositories.
• Concerns exist that the state VPN could be easily blocked by foreign governments.
• The proposal may create a tiered system of internet access for privileged users.
• A domestic open-source software repository was also promoted by the agency.