Putin signs a bill punishing online searches for information deemed 'extremist'

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Putin signs a bill punishing online searches for information deemed ‘extremist’

Updated 1:40 PM EDT, July 31, 2025

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a bill that punishes online searches for information officially branded “extremist,” the latest in a series of moves by authorities to tighten control of the internet.

The legislation, which has been approved by both houses of parliament earlier this month, makes what it describes as “deliberately searching for and accessing extremist materials” online punishable by a fine of up to the equivalent of $60.

In Russia, the official definition of extremist activity is extremely broad and includes opposition groups like the Anti-Corruption Foundation, created by the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and the “international LGBTQ+ movement.”

It’s not clear how authorities will track down violators.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-internet-censorship-extremist-991dd73d9d3567c5e0c89ddf12723ae5

[Captain Zero]

1. It will be easier to track down violators when

Everyone who is scared and fearful stops making 'extremist' searches.

Sounds like Russia now has a market for vpn services.

[Eugene]

2. per article: "Russians widely use VPN services for access to banned content"

The New York Times adds that the new law bans the advertisement of VPN services and make VPN use an aggravating factor in cyber offenses.

It should also be noted that the UK's newly-enacted Online Privacy Act is marching down the same path. Affected sites cannot recommend VPN services, and the government is advises the public against VPN use.

[eppur_se_muova]

3. cc to Turnip, as per usual.

Copy to Turnip marked tl/dr, passed to Miller.