Russia Proposes Bill To Fine Accessing Pro-Ukraine, Feminist Content Online

<p>A new piece of legislation working its way through Russia&rsquo;s parliament has ignited widespread criticism, with opponents warning it could significantly erode internet freedom and deepen state surveillance. The bill, which proposes penalties for those found accessing content labelled “extremist” by the justice ministry, passed its second reading in the State Duma on Thursday, backed by 283 lawmakers with just 22 opposing.</p>
<p>If enacted, the law would allow authorities to fine individuals up to 5,000 rubles (approximately ₹5,500 or $64) for deliberately searching for or accessing any materials listed as extremist. The list currently includes over 5,000 entries, from political slogans and blog posts by the feminist punk group Pussy Riot to Ukrainian patriotic songs and even Wikipedia articles about dynamite.</p>
<p>Critics argue the bill could usher in a new wave of internet censorship and criminalise even inadvertent exposure to content. Digital rights advocates have raised concerns about the bill’s vague language and broad scope. &ldquo;Materials not officially listed could still be treated as extremist,&rdquo; warned Sarkis Darbinyan, co-founder of Roskomsvoboda, a prominent internet freedom watchdog.</p>
<p>The bill reportedly began as a proposal aimed at regulating shipping clerks, but it morphed into a sweeping internet control measure as lawmakers added unrelated amendments.</p>
<p>During the session, United Russia&rsquo;s Alexander Teterdinko attempted to allay fears, stating that only deliberate searches would be penalised. &ldquo;If you Google something and material appears in the search results, but you do not click on it, do not read it, do not use it in any way… you will not fall under this article,&rdquo; he explained.</p>
<h2><strong>Critics Slam Russian Bill</strong></h2>
<p>However, others remain unconvinced. Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Speaker of the Duma, denounced elements of the bill as an &ldquo;attack on the basic rights of citizens.&rdquo; Even Russia’s internet safety chief voiced alarm, suggesting the law could hamper efforts to combat actual online threats.</p>
<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed unfamiliarity with the proposal, saying it required &ldquo;more detailed explanations&rdquo; to calm public anxiety. Meanwhile, Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in-chief of state-run broadcaster Russia Today, cautioned that the bill could cripple efforts to expose real extremists. &ldquo;I hope there will be amendments,&rdquo; she posted on Telegram.</p>
<p>The proposed law still needs to clear a third reading in the Duma, gain approval from the upper house, and finally be signed by President Vladimir Putin to become law. Until then, the debate around it continues to shine a spotlight on the shrinking space for digital freedom in Russia.</p>