Tell HN: Russia has started blocking OpenVPN/WireGuard connections

Article summary

Russia has reportedly started blocking OpenVPN and WireGuard connections, making it difficult for users to access VPN services. This has been confirmed by users in Russia, who have been unable to connect to their VPN providers for the past few days. The blocking is believed to be done through Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and may be part of a larger effort to isolate the Russian internet. The move has sparked concerns about freedom of information and access to online resources.

Main themes

• VPN blocking
• Online censorship
• DPI and obfuscation
• Internet freedom
• Government control
• Encryption and security

What commenters say

• The Russian government's blocking of VPN connections is a significant threat to online freedom and access to information.
• The blocking is likely being done through DPI, which can be circumvented using techniques such as obfuscation or encryption.
• Some users have reported that their VPN connections are still working, suggesting that the blocking may not be universal or consistent.
• The use of DPI to block VPN connections raises concerns about the ability of governments to control and monitor online activity.
• Some commenters have suggested that the blocking may be targeted at specific protocols or servers, rather than being a blanket ban on all VPN traffic.
• The development of new technologies and techniques, such as https side channel VPNs, may be necessary to evade government censorship and blocking efforts.
• The blocking of VPN connections may have unintended consequences, such as disrupting online gaming or other activities that rely on VPNs.