Social media platforms and news sites have virtually disappeared from the Russian Internet, with the Kremlin banning platforms including Facebook and others leaving over "fake news" laws. VPN software downloads have soared, but advocates still fear "isolation. The Kremlin has banned platforms including Facebook, while others have left because of the "fake news" law.

U.S.-based Tor Project and Russian digital rights protection group RosKomSvoboda will appeal the recent decision to block their main website, TorProject.org, as well as key nodes, in court in Russia.