A list of all Websites and Platforms Blocked in Russia

Since February 22, Russia has blocked hundreds of websites and services, causing nation-wide distress as well as outcry from advocates of free speech. Russia’s latest cyber blockade is focused around, but not limited to, streaming services and news outlets.

According to statements made by Russian officials, the bans are being implemented to counter the spread of fake news and rumors created online.

Russians lost access to many of their favorite websites and services. It’s worth noting that most of the news outlets and social media websites have been blocked by the Russian state itself, rather than the service provider – although that is also the case in some instances.

Even some of the Russian websites are banned in Europe. Here is a list of some of the most popular websites and services currently inaccessible in Russia.

Which Social Media Apps Are Restricted in Russia?

Social media apps that are banned in Russia face restrictions due to government regulations, censorship policies, or conflicts with local laws, impacting user access and information flow within the country. Here’s the list of all Social apps that are banned in Russia:

Service / Website	Blocked by	Blocked on
Facebook	Russia	March 4, 2022- Source
Twitter	Russia	March 4, 2022- Source
TikTok	Service owner	March 7 ,2022- Source
Line	Russia	Apr 28, 2017 – Source
WeChat	Russia	May 8, 2017 – Source
LinkedIn	Russia	May 17, 2017 – Source
Signal	Russia	March 3, 2022 – Source
Reddit	Russia	March 3, 2022 – Source

Which Streaming Services Are Restricted in Russia?

These streaming services are banned in Russia due to regulations around content control, licensing, or geopolitical issues. These bans limit access to global entertainment and affect the digital streaming landscape.

Streaming Service / Website	Blocked by	Blocked on
Netflix	Service owner	Mar 7, 2022- Source
DailyMotion	Service owner	Jan 27, 2017- Source
YouTube	Service owner	Mar 7, 2022 – Source
Disney	Service owner	Mar 1, 2022 – Source
Warner Brothers/HBO	Service owner	Mar 1, 2022 – Source
Paramount Pictures	Russia	Mar 1, 2022 – Source
SonyLIV	Service owner	Mar 1, 2022 – Source
Twitch	Service owner	Mar 7, 2022 – Source
AppleTV+	Service owner	Mar 7, 2022 – Source

News Websites Restricted in Russia

In Russia, blocking news websites and services is used to regulate the flow of information and maintain narrative control, preventing citizens from accessing diverse or opposing viewpoints from global media sources. Here’s the list of all news websites that are banned in Russia:

News Websites	Blocked by	Blocked on
Novaya Gazeta	Russia	June 2023 – Source
BBC	Russia	Mar 4, 2022 – Source
Deutsche Welle	Russia	Mar 4, 2022 – Source
Meduza	Russia	Mar 3, 2022 – Source
Radio Free Europe	Russia	Mar 4, 2022 – Source
Agentstvo	Russia	Mar 5, 2022 – Source
Snob.ru	Russia	Mar 5, 2022 – Source
Republic	Russia	Mar 5, 2022 – Source
Mediazona	Russia	Mar 5, 2022 – Source
NPR	Russia	Mar 21, 2022 – Source
Globalnews.ca	Russia	May 18, 2022 – Source
Voice of America	Russia	Mar 4, 2022 – Source
CNN	Russia	March 2022 – Source
Radio Liberty	Russia	Feb 2024 – Source
Moscow Times	Russia	July 2024 –Source

Cryptocurrency Services & Online Payment Platforms Restricted in Russia

If you plan to trade cryptocurrencies in Russia, or use some of the most popular online transaction apps in Russia, be prepared for potential roadblocks. Regulatory authorities often restrict access to multiple crypto platforms, creating an unpredictable environment for traders. Here’s a comprehensive list of crypto websites that are blocked in Russia:

Service / Website	Blocked by	Blocked on
Western Union	Service owner	March 22 – Source
PayPal	Service owner	March 5, 2022 – Source
LocalBitcoins	Russia	Oct 16, 2020 – Source
Cointelegraph	Russia	Oct 16, 2020 – Source
Binance	Russia	Sep 24, 2020 – Source
BestChange	Russia	Aug 26, 2020- Source
VISA	Service owner	Mar 5, 2022- Source
MasterCard	Service owner	Mar 5, 2022 – Source
Apple Pay	Russia	Mar 27, 2022 – Source
Coinbase	Service owner	Mar 8, 2022 – Source
Kraken	Service owner	Oct 20, 2022 – Source

Other Services Restricted in Russia

In Russia, various services beyond social media and news platforms face restrictions. These include specific online tools, communication apps, and entertainment services, all subject to regulatory control or bans. Here’s a look at some of the other services currently restricted in Russia:

Service / Website	Blocked by	Blocked on
deviantart.com	Russia	Aug 5, 2014
ej.ru	Russia	Mar 13, 2014
flibusta.is	Russia	Sep 22, 2016
nicovideo.jp	Russia	Oct 23, 2019 – Source
williamhill.com	Service owner	Sep 29, 2016 – Source
zello.com	Russia	Apr 12, 2017 – Source
ProtonMail	Russia	Jan 29, 2020 – Source
StartMail	Russia	Jan 22, 2020 – Source
Canva	Service owner	Jun 1, 2022 –Source
Pixabay	Service owner	Jun 2, 2022 – Source
Soundcloud	Service owner	Jun 2, 2022 – Source
Depositphotos	Service owner	March 7, 2022  – Source

List of Other Restricted Websites in Russia

The below given list includes a range of banned websites from archives and e-books to gambling sites, messaging services, and adult content.

Website	Domain Type
archive.org	Archive/Library
archive.ec	Archive/Library
archive.is	Archive/Library
bodog.eu	Gambling/Betting
bovada.lv	Gambling/Betting
bwin.com	Gambling/Betting
ej.ru	News/Media
flibusta.is	E-Books/Library
heritagesports.eu	Gambling/Betting
ladbrokes.com	Gambling/Betting
line.me	Messaging Service
nicovideo.jp	Video Platform
paddypower.com	Gambling/Betting
pornhubcasino.com	Gambling/Adult
pornhub.ru	Adult Content
thebetwaygroup.com	Gambling/Betting
unibet-1.com	Gambling/Betting
williamhill.com	Gambling/Betting
xvideosru.com	Adult Content
zello.com	Communication App
Ahrefs.com	SEO Tool

How to Access Blocked Websites and Services in Russia

Are you in Russia and want to access these websites and services? With the right tools, you can. All you need is to change your IP address to another country.

Follow these steps to access any blocked website in Russia:

1. Subscribe to PureVPN
2. Download the app on your device
3. Connect to your preferred server
4. Access any geo-restricted website in Russia

Concluding thoughts

War is inhumane. So does the exploitation of digital rights. When the nation cuts off from the services from around the world, that means that something is wrong and must be stopped. Being open to digital choices is our right and despite the war, we must not be deprived of it. Say NO to War, say NO to digital barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions