Russia blocks messengers and VPNs – and its banks too (heise.de)

• Broad prohibition of encrypted messaging and non-sanctioned VPNs.
• Financial institutions forced to abandon global encryption protocols.
• Consolidation of state oversight over all digital financial traffic.

"Russia has implemented comprehensive blocks on encrypted messaging platforms and unauthorized VPNs, extending these restrictions to the financial sector. This policy aims to consolidate state control over all outbound and inbound digital traffic, effectively mandating the use of state-sanctioned infrastructure for banking operations. By disabling standard encryption tools, the Russian state is eroding operational security for businesses while attempting to prevent capital flight and surveillance evasion. This move marks a significant hardening of the 'sovereign internet' doctrine, further decoupling the Russian digital ecosystem from global technological standards."