July 19, 2025
Tech News
Russia’s State Duma has officially enacted new fines targeting individuals and VPN services for searching prohibited online content. The amendments allow penalties of up to 5,000 rubles for users and up to 500,000 rubles for non-compliant VPN providers, marking a significant escalation in Internet censorship.
As part of this intensified crackdown, laws will also apply to virtual private networks that advertise their services or fail to cooperate with regulatory authorities. This will take effect on September 1, pending President Vladimir Putin’s formal approval.
The legislation has sparked criticism from some Kremlin-aligned figures. Notably, RT’s editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, has publicly questioned how investigative journalism could operate under such limitations, echoing concerns voiced by other pro-government media leaders.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian is moving forward with preparations for its Georgia factory, supported by a $6.6 billion conditional loan commitment from the U.S. Department of Energy. The company plans to begin on-site development in 2026, with production targeted for 2028.
Originally announced in late 2021, the Georgia project had been delayed due to supply chain issues and local opposition, prompting Rivian to focus on expanding its plant in Illinois. The new loan deal has reignited momentum, and Rivian is restarting early infrastructure work on the site.
Tech Explained
VPN – A Virtual Private Network is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the Internet. VPNs are often used to protect private web traffic from snooping, interference, or censorship, making them a focal point in discussions about online privacy, especially in restrictive regimes.
Internet Censorship – Internet censorship refers to the control or suppression of what can be accessed, published, or viewed online. In Russia, the government has implemented various measures to block and restrict access to content deemed extremist or objectionable, thereby limiting freedom of information and expression.
Manufacturing – Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished goods on a large scale. Rivian’s factory construction in Georgia aims to capitalize on the growing electric vehicle market, indicating a shift toward a more sustainable manufacturing approach and job creation.
