Russian lawmakers advanced a bill on July 17 — backed by 283 votes to 22 in its second reading — that would criminalize online searches for content deemed “extremist” by authorities, including songs glorifying Ukraine and material by feminist rock bands.

Moscow

Russian lawmakers have advanced a bill that would fine individuals for deliberately searching for online content classified as 'extremist' by authorities. The proposed law, which passed its second reading with significant support, targets a broad array of materials, such as songs glorifying Ukraine, blog posts by feminist rock bands, and certain Wikipedia pages.

The bill specifies that only intentional searches would be penalized, with fines set at 5,000 rubles. Critics, including some lawmakers and experts, have expressed concern about increased surveillance and potential abuse, noting that even officials or citizens reporting suspicious activity could be at risk. The legislation still requires further approval before becoming law.

Russian deputies back fines for clicking on 'extremist' content

Russia's proposed bill on fining internet users for accessing online content labelled as extremist by Russian authorities is stirring fierce debate among pro-Kremlin voices. The so-called extremist content ranges from songs glorifying Ukraine, blog posts by feminist rock bands to Wikipedia pages on dynamite. Anyone who, with or without a VPN, goes on, for example, Instagram, which is already recognised as an extremist community, and same for Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have not yet. And those who, for any reason, access the 6,000 extremist materials listed, books, film, music, all of them will be subject to appropriate fines. But lawmakers are sure that only the deliberate search for extremist material would result in fines of 5,000 rubles or 55 euros. If you googled something and this material came up in the search bar, but you purposely did not go in, did not familiarise yourself with it, did not use it in any way, you will not be subject under this law. The bill has prompted concern from other lawmakers and experts on the increased surveillance and possible abuse by law enforcement. The head of the Kremlin-aligned Safe Internet League, Yekaterina Mezulina, warned that the legislation could backfire on police or authorities' crackdown on dissent. What's most striking is that under the draft law, even interior ministry officials monitoring such content could technically be acting illegally. And any private citizen who reports, say, potential school shooters to law enforcement could also face fines. The Kremlin has declined to comment, but acknowledged that the bill has sparked a strong public reaction. The bill requires three readings and approval by the State Duma's upper house before President Putin can sign it into law. If passed, it would take effect on September 1st.

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