Russia's new law fines online searches for extremist content by 2025
Russia has introduced a new law targeting online searches for extremist content. The legislation, approved in early 2025, imposes fines for intentional access to such materials. However, no regional authorities have yet enforced the rules on the ground.
The bill also includes broader anti-fraud measures, from child SIM cards to stricter identity checks on government platforms.
The State Duma passed the second anti-fraud legislative package in its first reading on February 10, 2025. Among its nearly 20 provisions, the law bans deliberate searches for extremist content online. Fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles will apply from September 1, 2025.
An exception allows searches for scientific, legal, or law enforcement purposes. The draft law is now being prepared for its second reading.
Despite the national legislation, no federal subject has issued local enforcement orders. No evidence of regional implementation exists in public records.
The first recorded penalty under the new rule came in December 2025. A medical worker in Kamensk-Uralsky, Sverdlovsk Oblast, was fined for violating the provision.
Other measures in the package include mandatory labelling for international calls and cyberfraud reporting via Gosuslugi. Account recovery on the platform will also require verified identification methods.
The law took effect in September 2025, but enforcement remains inconsistent. While fines have been issued, no regional authorities have published local directives to apply the rules. The broader anti-fraud package introduces additional digital security measures across Russia.
