Online politicians sanction efforts aimed at penalizing internet searches related to 'extremist' material
In a move that has sparked controversy and concerns about freedom of expression, the Russian Duma has approved a bill targeting online content classified as "extremist" by Russian authorities. The legislation, which passed with 283 votes in favour, 22 against, and 22 abstentions, imposes fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($87) for individuals who "knowingly" view or search for such material.
The list of banned extremist content includes around 5,500 items, such as books, religious texts, songs, films, political slogans, blog posts by groups like Pussy Riot, and even Wikipedia pages like that for dynamite. The bill's scope is broad, potentially criminalizing not only the sharing of extremist content but also the act of searching for it.
The law has raised concerns about ambiguity and enforcement, as it does not clarify how authorities will detect such searches or accesses. This has led to fears of increased surveillance, with police and intelligence agents (FSB) gathering evidence and having remote capabilities to monitor online behaviour.
The legislation also poses a potential paradox, as it applies to people who monitor extremist content for public safety or support law enforcement. For instance, pro-Kremlin activists and official monitors who search and report extremist material may themselves be liable for fines.
Critics warn that the law's restrictions on information access inhibit academic research, journalism, and counter-propaganda work. They argue that it is a severe blow to internet freedom that can silence dissent and prevent citizens from "knowing their enemy" or engaging with facts that contradict state narratives.
The bill has drawn criticism from pro-Kremlin circles, with some Kremlin-aligned figures expressing concerns that it may backfire on state authorities and supporters alike. Communist party deputy Alexei Kouinny estimates that 40% of the Russian population could be fined due to the bill, primarily those using VPNs to bypass the blocking of social networks like Facebook and Instagram.
The definition of "extremist" in Russian legislation is broad, including terrorist, ultranationalist groups, political opponents, and religious movements. The bill also imposes fines of up to 500,000 rubles ($8774) on those who share their phone's SIM cards with others or promote VPNs.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov calls for "detailed explanations" from the bill's initiators, while pro-Kremlin blogger Ekaterina Mizoulina criticized the bill. Sarkis Darbinian, an exiled lawyer and founder of the online rights NGO Roskomsvoboda, believes the law will cause fear among internet users and is an individual tool to exert additional pressure on Russian society.
In essence, this bill represents a major tightening of Russia’s internet censorship regime, severely limiting freedom of expression by penalizing not just the sharing but the very searching and viewing of state-designated extremist content online. It institutionalizes mass surveillance and risks criminalizing routine internet use and legitimate information activities.
The new legislative policy-and-legislation, which has caused concern among academic researchers, journalists, and pro-Kremlin figures alike, not only penalizes the sharing of extremist content online but also the act of searching for it, potentially criminalizing routine internet use. This political move, aimed at targeting online "extremist" content, may pose a significant threat to freedom of expression and internet freedom in general.
