MOSCOW: Russia's media watchdog Roskom-nadzor on Friday effectively banned the use of several major VPN networks, including the widely used Nord VPN and Express VPN. The move comes as authorities ramp up control of the Russian segment of the internet, blocking access to dozens of opposition-linked websites ahead of a parliamentary election this month.

The watchdog said in a statement that the services violated Russian law by allowing access to illegal online content.

Four other VPN providers were also banned. Roskomnadzor said allowing access to blocked content "created conditions for illegal activities, including those related to the distribution of drugs, child pornography, extremism and suicidal tendencies". Roskomnadzor increased pressure on Western tech giants Google and Apple for their refusal to remove an app developed by the team of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.