Russian lawmakers have passed a sweeping new law that allows authorities to fine individuals for searching and accessing content deemed ‘extremist’ via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The law expands the definition of ‘extremist materials’ to include organizations such as the LGBT movement and al-Qaeda, as well as materials promoting Nazi ideology or incitement to extremist actions. This marks a significant tightening of Russia’s already restrictive digital laws, following the government’s justification of censorship as necessary during wartime.
The new regulations, which were introduced as part of a mundane bill on regulating freight companies, allow for fines of approximately $65 for individuals searching for banned content and up to $12,800 for companies advertising circumvention tools like VPN services. Prior to this, Russian law only prohibited the creation or sharing of extremist content, leaving individuals who merely sought such information online without legal consequences. The amendments follow the government’s expansion of internet restrictions in the wake of the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where laws criminalizing the spread of ‘fake news’ and ‘discrediting’ the Russian military were enacted. These developments reflect a broader trend of increasing control over digital spaces, with high-ranking officials supporting the censorship as a wartime necessity.
Analysts and human rights organizations have expressed concern over the implications of the law, viewing it as a direct assault on digital freedom and expression. The government’s actions indicate a willingness to push further boundaries in regulating online discourse, with the potential for widespread self-censorship and limited access to information. As the law takes effect, its implementation and enforcement will be closely watched, with potential impacts on both local and international perspectives on Russia’s digital policies.