New Russian Law Criminalizes Online Searches For Controversial Content

Russian lawmakers passed sweeping new legislation allowing authorities to fine individuals simply for searching and accessing content labeled 'extremist' via VPNs. The Washington Post reports: Russia defines 'extremist materials' as content officially added by a court to a government-maintained registry, a running list of about 5,500 entries, or content produced by 'extremist organizations' ranging from 'the LGBT movement' to al-Qaeda. The new law also covers materials that promote alleged Nazi ideology or incite extremist actions. Until now, Russian law stopped short of punishing individuals for seeking information online; only creating or sharing such content is prohibited. The new amendments follow remarks by high-ranking officials that censorship is justified in wartime. Adoption of the measures would mark a significant tightening of Russia's already restrictive digital laws.

The fine for searching for banned content in Russia would be about a $65, while the penalty for advertising circumvention tools such as VPN services would be steeper -- $2,500 for individuals and up to $12,800 for companies. Previously, the most significant expansion of Russia's restrictions on internet use and freedom of speech occurred shortly after the February 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when sweeping laws criminalized the spread of 'fake news' and 'discrediting' the Russian military. The new amendment was introduced Tuesday and attached to a mundane bill on regulating freight companies, according to documents published by Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma.

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