Russia's Digital Ministry Proposes New Internet Taxes and a Paid Email Service

Russia's Push for a Paid Business Email System

According to Главком: The Russian Ministry of Digital Development (MinTsifry) is advancing plans to introduce a paid email service for businesses and self-employed individuals. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that also includes new fees for international internet traffic and the monetization of VPN services. Furthermore, the ministry is considering sanctions against citizens who use VPNs to access blocked content. These moves are seen as part of a wider effort to increase state control and generate revenue from the digital sphere.

IT companies that continue to allow VPN traffic face removal from the register of accredited IT organizations. Such exclusion would result in the loss of significant state-granted benefits, including:

• A reduction in profit tax from 25% to 5%,
• Zero-rate value-added tax (VAT),
• Lower insurance premiums.

Employees of excluded companies would also lose their deferment from military conscription.

The Future of Digital Communications and Access

Separately, starting April 3, 2026, payment processing for purchases on Apple's App Store or other media services will become unavailable in Russia. This will prevent users from making new purchases or paying for subscriptions through Apple's ecosystem. Meanwhile, residents of Moscow have reported widespread disruptions to mobile and internet services, coinciding with the city's introduction of so-called 'white lists' of permitted websites.

"The state intends to punish those trying to avoid information isolation with financial penalties." - Analysts

Market analysts predict that for most companies, removal from the accredited register could be equivalent to liquidation, as they would be unable to compete with firms still receiving state subsidies. Thus, Moscow continues to construct a system where increased surveillance and fiscal pressure go hand in hand. Russian citizens will pay more for email, internet, and the ability to read independent sources, receiving diminishing freedoms in return.

The introduction of paid email and new internet traffic fees underscores the growing control of the Russian state over digital communications. These changes could significantly impact the business environment and access to information, raising concerns among experts. Against this backdrop, the prospects for Russia's IT market development appear uncertain, as the new rules may lead to reduced competition and increased monopolization within the industry.

As the Russian government tightens its grip on digital communications, the upcoming halt of payment processing by Apple will further complicate the landscape for businesses relying on international services. This development underscores the broader implications of the Ministry of Digital Development's recent proposals, as companies brace for the impact of increased taxes and potential sanctions on VPN usage.