Putin signs a bill punishing online searches for information deemed 'extremist' [View all]
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.
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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-internet-censorship-extremist-991dd73d9d3567c5e0c89ddf12723ae5
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