Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
4mo ago

Russia Approves Bill Criminalizing Online Searches for Designated ‘Extremist’ Content

The bill awaits President Putin’s signature to broaden online censorship with fines for intentional extremist searches, penalties for VPN promotion, bans on SIM sharing

Police detain an activist during a protest in front of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, prior to lawmakers approving a measure that punishes online searches for information that is deemed “extremist.”
Police detain an activist in front of the State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, before lawmakers approved a bill that punishes online searches for information that is deemed “extremist.” (AP Photo)
Image

Overview

  • The Federation Council’s July 25 endorsement capped parliamentary approval and moved the bill to President Putin’s desk ahead of its planned September 1 enactment.
  • Administrative fines of 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (US$38–64) will target intentional online searches for content labeled “extremist.”
  • The legislation extends penalties to VPN promoters with fines up to 80,000 rubles for individuals and prohibits sharing of SIM cards and online accounts to enhance state surveillance.
  • Russia’s Justice Ministry registry of extremist materials already exceeds 5,000 entries, encompassing opposition groups, LGBT organizations and major social media platforms.
  • Rights groups and some Kremlin insiders warn that the law’s vague definitions and undefined enforcement mechanisms risk arbitrary application and could hamper government, business and academic activities.