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Russia Targets Opera to Stop Banned Website Access

Ted S. Warren / AP

State media watchdog Roskomnadzor is negotiating with Norwegian web browser Opera in a bid to prevent Russian internet users from accessing banned websites, the Kommersant newspaper reported Monday.

The agency has asked Opera to make changes to its built-in “turbo mode,” which allows users to bypass blocks on illegal sites.

Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky said an agreement has yet to be reached.

Opera's new owner, Chinese consortium Golden Brick Capital, is still considering the proposals, Kommersant reported. The company purchased Opera in early November.

Roskomnadzor did not discuss the browser's built-in VPN service, which allows users to hide their online location.

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