Key points
- Move aims to tighten control on the internet
- Over 5,000 entries on Russian justice ministry’s list of “extremist materials”
- These include songs praising Ukraine and websites critical of Putin
ISLAMABAD: The Russian parliament’s upper house has approved a bill that punishes online searches for information officially branded “extremist”.
The move aims to tighten control of the internet.
The legislation makes what it describes as “deliberately searching for and accessing extremist materials” online punishable by a fine of up to the equivalent of $64, according to AP.
Books, artworks or music albums
Last week, Russian lawmakers advanced the bill in the lower house that would fine internet users who search online for web pages, books, artworks or music albums that authorities have deemed “extremist”.
More than 5,000 entries are on the Russian justice ministry’s list of “extremist materials”, including songs praising Ukraine, blog posts by feminist rock band Pussy Riot and websites critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to AFP.
Deputies in the lower house State Duma backed the bill by 306 votes to 67.
No major opposition
It was sent to Russia’s upper house, where it faced no major opposition.
It was not clear how the bill would work in practice and whether internet service providers or websites would be responsible for monitoring violations.
After approval by Russia’s upper house, the bill will be sent to President Vladimir Putin to be signed into law.
