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Now in Russia, even searching for 'extremist' information will be punished, Parliament passes new law
Russia: The Russian Parliament has passed a new law under which a fine will be imposed for searching or accessing information considered 'extremist' on the Internet. This move is being considered another step towards strengthening online censorship.
The Russian Parliament's upper house on Friday passed a bill, according to which now searching for 'extremist' declared content on the Internet will be regarded as a crime as well. The bill is being viewed as another move to further restrict government control over the Internet in Russia.
This bill says that if someone intentionally searches or browses material that is 'extremist' in nature, then he can be penalized up to around 64 US dollars (approximately Rs 5,300).
This bill was also passed by the lower house of Parliament earlier. Now it will become law after President Vladimir Putin signs it. The definition of 'extremism' in Russian law is quite broad. It also includes opposition organizations like Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation and the 'international LGBT movement'.
