Summary
Russian lawmakers approved a bill that punishes people for searching online for information deemed "extremist." The bill will likely pass into law soon and includes fines for first-time offenders. The definition of "extremist" is broad, covering some opposition groups and movements. It's unclear how authorities will enforce the law, but VPN services are affected by new restrictions.
Key Facts
- Russian lawmakers passed a bill penalizing online searches for "extremist" material.
- The bill now moves to the upper house and then to President Putin for approval.
- Fines for first-time offenders can be up to $64.
- "Extremist" is broadly defined, including opposition groups and the LGBT movement.
- How authorities will track violators is not specified.
- VPN advertising is banned, and non-compliant VPNs face fines.
- The legislation is part of a larger crackdown on dissent since 2022.
- Some lawmakers and pro-Kremlin figures criticized the bill for various reasons.
