The Russian government announced a complete ban on WhatsApp and started gradually restricting Telegram, citing concerns over criminal content being disseminated through these platforms. This decision has been met with criticism as companies label it a setback for freedom of expression. Alarmingly, such actions contribute to a growing environment of censorship in the country.

However, for the Brazilian expatriates living in Russia, these changes have not significantly disrupted their communication practices. Many of them have long employed VPNs, or virtual private networks, as a necessary tool for accessing restricted services. Paola Loureiro, a 25-year-old Brazilian pursuing a master's degree in linguistics in Moscow, shared that living without a VPN is virtually impossible due to the current restrictions, stressing that using these technologies is now second nature.

This adaptation reflects a broader trend where individuals in repressive environments turn to technology to maintain their connections and access information. The reliance on VPNs could also indicate a resilient spirit among expatriates who continue to navigate complex bureaucracies and restrictions, striving to preserve their communications and cultural ties despite growing governmental controls.