A new level of repression

Hello! This week we cover a new piece of legislation that would punish Russians for reading “extremist” content online, in what could be the opening salvo in a massive new ramp-up of repression.

Russia to fine people for searching or reading material online

Russia is taking its biggest step towards ramping up in censorship since the first days of its invasion, giving itself new tools in the battle against dissent with sweeping new proposals to punish even silent opposition. In an emergency session, without any prior announcement or discussion, the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, ushered in a new bill that would impose fines on anybody who reads or even searches for “extremist content” on the internet. It’s the first time in Russian history that individuals can be prosecuted not for creating or distributing content, but simply for looking for it. The bill even drew criticism from Kremlin propagandists, but nothing looks like being able to stop it coming into law.

What’s going on?

The Duma voted in a second reading to approve new legislation that would impose fines of 3,000-5,000 rubles ($40-65) on citizens who “knowingly” search the internet for “extremist materials”. Until now, Russia has never imposed any penalties for searching, reading or watching content; only for producing or distributing it (which have long been covered by two articles of the criminal code imposing up to three or six years in jail).