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.
The new bill proposes to completely remove Russian IT products from circulation by 2030. If the law is adopted, violators will face fines of up to 2% of annual turnover. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to bill No. 13505 "On the prohibition of the use and distribution of enemy software products and hostile means of information technology". The draft provides for the creation of an official list of prohibited products, which will b…
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.
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