In force · in force from 1 September 2025 (main part, including art. 13.53 (searching for 'extremist materials') and fines for advertising VPNs)
281-ФЗ of 31 July 2025 «On amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences and to the Federal Law 'On amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences'»
Who is affected
People in Russia who deliberately search the internet for materials on the federal list of extremist materials, or materials of banned organisations, and open them, including via VPN.
Who is not affected
Using a VPN as such is not banned by this law. The article requires intent and materials 'known' to be extremist and listed.
What changes
- New KoAP art. 13.53: a fine of 3,000-5,000 RUB for deliberately searching for and accessing materials 'known to be extremist', including via VPN.
- New fines for advertising circumvention tools (art. 14.3 part 18) and for VPN service owners (art. 13.52).
- Fines for handing your SIM card or account login data to other people (arts. 13.29.1, 13.29.2).
What to do now
- In Russia, do not search by name for materials of banned organisations, especially from a phone that may be checked.
- Search and browser history stays on the phone: keep this in mind before travel or a possible check.
What is not yet clear
How intent and 'knowledge' are proven in specific cases is not visible from official sources. Some other provisions took effect on 01.03.2026; they are not about searching for materials.
Guides that reflect this: Phone checks; Messaging, VPNs and blocking in 2026; Prosecuted for a post, repost or comment; Likes, reposts, comments, Stars: what is risky