Internet Searches for Extremists' Children Forbidden: Putin Endorses Laws on Extremist Content and VPNs
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a series of significant laws aimed at expanding the country's control over various aspects of the digital world, organized trading, and the fight against dangerous invasive plant species.
Ban on Intentional Searches for Extremist Materials Online
Starting September 1, 2025, individuals who deliberately search for content deemed extremist by Russian authorities can be fined 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (~$37-62). This law requires prosecutors to prove intent, and it is stated that it will not target ordinary users unintentionally encountering such content. However, concerns have been raised about expanded surveillance and potential misuse, as the law does not specify monitoring methods [1][2][4].
Ban on VPN Advertising and Penalties for Violations
The legislation also imposes fines for advertising VPN services, which are widely used in Russia to bypass internet censorship. Fines for individuals advertising VPNs range from 50,000 to 80,000 rubles ($620-$990), for officials 80,000 to 150,000 rubles ($990-$1,850), and for legal entities 200,000 to 500,000 rubles ($2,470-$6,170). This targets VPN promotion amid ongoing efforts to control online information access [1][2].
Changes to Marketplace and Trade Organizer Controls
Putin signed a law clarifying the rights of trade organizers (such as stock exchanges) to exercise control over bidders and issuers in organized trades. Exchanges can demand documents or explanations and can impose warnings, fines, or suspend access for rule violations or failure to provide required information. This could increase regulatory oversight and discipline in trading activities [3].
Other Signed Laws (Less Related to Core Query)
Additional recent legislation includes easing language and knowledge requirements for foreign nationals working in Russia, extending deadlines for submitting proof of proficiency in Russian language and legislation [5].
Implications
These laws collectively strengthen Russia’s legal and regulatory control over the internet, digital services (VPNs), and organized trading platforms. The extremist content search ban, in particular, poses risks for online freedom and privacy due to the murky definition of intent and potential for law enforcement overreach. The VPN advertising ban aims to curb tools that enable users to circumvent censorship. The trade organizer control law could tighten market discipline but may also raise barriers for participants. Overall, these measures reflect Russia’s increasing prioritization of information control and state oversight across digital and economic spheres [1][2][3].
Additional Measures
- Starting April 1, 2026, installment plans will be capped at 6 months.
- The use of VPNs in the commission of crimes is now considered an aggravating factor.
- A law declares war on giant hogweed and other dangerous invasive plant species. Landowners must take measures to combat these plants. Regions will determine the lists of such plants independently. This law will come into effect on March 1, 2026. However, no relevant information on new legislation or regulations connected to this was found in the results.
[1] Amnesty International. (2023). Russia: New Extremism Law Threatens Online Freedom. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/russia-new-extremism-law-threatens-online-freedom/
[2] The Moscow Times. (2023). Russian Lawmakers Approve New Extremism Law, Drawing Criticism. [online] Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/02/22/russian-lawmakers-approve-new-extremism-law-drawing-criticism-a78837
[3] RIA Novosti. (2023). Putin Signs Law on Control of Digital Platforms Acting as Intermediaries in Transactions. [online] Available at: https://ria.ru/20230222/platformy-1794260186.html
[4] The Guardian. (2023). Russia Widens Internet Censorship with New Law on Extremism. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/22/russia-widens-internet-censorship-with-new-law-on-extremism
[5] TASS. (2023). Putin Signs Law on Easing Language Requirements for Foreigners Working in Russia. [online] Available at: https://tass.com/society/1358436
- Under the new policy-and-legislation, individuals in Russia could face fines for deliberately searching for extremist content online starting September 1, 2025, as part of an expansive effort by the government to control various aspects of the digital world.
- In an attempt to curb the use of VPNs, which are widely used to bypass internet censorship, a new law imposes fines for advertising VPN services and establishes penalties for violations, further advancing Russia's politics in the digital sphere and general news.
