New Delhi. Russia has recently passed a strict new law, under which a fine will also be imposed on searching some words or subjects online. According to The Washington Post, Russian MPs have approved rules in which people may have to pay a fine of about $ 65 for searching the so -called “extremist” content on the Internet, even if they do not share or post it.
What does “extremist” mean in Russia?
It includes many types of topics. For example, the LGBT movement is called “extremist”, al-Qaeda, and anything that promotes Nazi ideas. A list of government includes more than 5,500 banned topics and groups and new topics are being added to it rapidly.
Prior to this law, people in Russia could only be punished when they post or share such materials. But now, even searching it privately using VPN can be fined.
What will happen by reaching the block websites
And it does not stop here. The government is also taking action against those who promote tools like VPN (which help people reach the websites blocked). If one promotes the use of VPN, the fine for individuals can be up to $ 2,500 and up to $ 13,000 for companies.
Russian officials are calling it an essential step during the war, but critics believe that this is another major attack on freedom of expression. These changes were quietly added to an unrelated bill, which was about cargo companies, making it clear that the government wants to tighten control of internet use.
In short, searching some words online in Russia can now put you in serious trouble, even if you are just trying to read and learn.