US Edition
Russia approves fines of $64 for ‘extremist’ searches, $6,400 for VPN promotion
RUSSIA, JUL 17 – The law targets deliberate searches for extremist content and bans advertising of VPNs, with fines up to 5,000 rubles ($64) for users and higher penalties for VPN operators.
- On July 16, 2025, the lower-house State Duma removed the court ruling requirement for banning groups, classifying organizations as extremist based on a single member’s conviction, and proposed fines up to 5,000 rubles for searching extremist content via VPN.
- Amid tightened information controls, the Kremlin amended federal extremism and mass media laws to improve regulation and limit circumvention, as part of a broader legislative push.
- Under the draft Article 13.53, enforcement extends to VPN service owners and advertisers, impacting those who promote or operate circumvention tools, with references to extremist content on Meta Corporation's platforms.
- Critics argue the law is `vague and overly broad`, undermining judicial oversight and raising concerns about unlawful surveillance, according to Amnesty International.
- Starting in September, fines will enforce restrictions on extremist content access, with critics warning these laws violate Russia’s constitution and international obligations.
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Associated Press News
Russian lawmakers pass a bill punishing online searches for information deemed to be 'extremist'
Russian lawmakers have approved a bill that punishes online searches for information that is deemed “extremist,” the latest move by government authorities in their relentless crackdown on dissent.
TVA Nouvelles
Le Journal de QuebecA fine will be imposed for the simple inclusion of the name of the protest group in a search engine.
In Russia, a new law is intended to punish the search for "extremist" content – despite criticism from the ranks of the regime.
Longer list of political crimes, greater number of political prisoners, more power for secret services – opposition in Russia becomes more dangerous.
Russia gearing up to prosecute internet users for searching ‘extremist’ content - Committee to Protect Journalists
Berlin, July 18, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by a bill under consideration in the Russian State Duma that would introduce fines for accessing or searching for “extremist” online content, threatening to further restrict press freedom and access to information. The bill, which passed its second reading on July 17, 2025, is the “most serious step in censorship and the fight against dissent since 2022,” when lawmakers intro…
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