Parliament approves penalty for exploring prohibited radical content
The State Duma of the Russian Federation has introduced a new amendment that aims to curb the spread of extremist materials online, including through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Here's what you need to know about the potential impacts on users and popular platforms like VKontakte, Classmates, Telegram, Viber, and WhatsApp.
## Risks for Users
Internet users within the Russian Federation may face fines of up to 5,000 rubles for intentionally accessing content deemed extremist, which could lead to increased self-censorship and reduced activity on platforms to avoid legal repercussions. Additionally, governments could increase surveillance to monitor users accessing such content, potentially encroaching on user privacy and further reducing trust in online platforms.
## Challenges for Platforms
Platforms may need to improve their content moderation to avoid hosting or facilitating access to extremist content, which could be resource-intensive and increase operational costs. They might also be pressured to restrict or remove VPN functionality within their services to prevent users from accessing banned content, affecting VPN-based communication methods. The threat of fines could lead to a chilling effect on free speech and online discussions, affecting engagement on platforms like VKontakte and Classmates.
## Variable Impact on Specific Platforms
While the specific impact on these platforms might vary, the general trend suggests increased restrictions and potential legal hurdles for maintaining open communication channels. For example, given Telegram's emphasis on privacy and security, users might still use VPNs to access content, but the platform itself might not be directly affected unless it explicitly facilitates access to extremist materials. Viber and WhatsApp are less likely to be directly impacted by the content aspect but might see changes in user behavior if VPNs are targeted.
It's worth noting that no new social networks were added to the list of those subject to the amendment, and fines for using blocked social networks will not be introduced for now. However, law enforcement may request information from internet service providers or search engines to determine if searches were conducted using specific keywords.
## The Road Ahead
The implementation of this new amendment and its practical implications remain a topic of debate. Vyacheslav Safronov concluded that it's likely the project will be implemented by checking individuals who have been held accountable in the past. Ekaterina Mizulina, the head of the Internet Security League, has emphasized the need for a "clarifying team" for the new law due to the complexity of tracking every action and proving intent to consume banned content. Despite these challenges, the focus remains on individuals who attempt to circumvent blocked access to extremist materials.
[1] Legal Risks: Users may face fines of up to 5,000 rubles for accessing content deemed extremist, which could lead to increased self-censorship and reduced activity on platforms to avoid legal repercussions. [3] Privacy Concerns: Governments could increase surveillance to monitor users accessing such content, potentially encroaching on user privacy and further reducing trust in online platforms.
This new amendment could lead to an increase in surveillance to monitor users accessing content deemed extremist, potentially infringing on user privacy and further eroding trust in online platforms like VKontakte, Classmates, and others [3]. Moreover, internet users within the Russian Federation might face fines of up to 5,000 rubles for intentionally accessing such content, which might result in increased self-censorship and decreased user activity on these platforms [1].
