The Federation Council approved fines for searching extremist materials and using VPNs.

The Federation Council approved fines for searching extremist materials and using VPNs.

      The Federation Council approved a law on July 24th at a session, introducing administrative liability for intentional searches and access to extremist materials on the internet. The maximum fine for citizens will be 5,000 rubles. Previously, on July 22nd, the State Duma approved the document.

      As explained by the Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation Andrey Klishas, proof of intent can only be established within the framework of already initiated criminal cases. He assured that everyday checks of Russians’ smartphones and laptops are impossible, as operational-search activities on administrative cases are not conducted.

      "This will not affect the broad masses of citizens. No one will stop people and check their phones," — stated the senator, as reported by RBC.

      Nevertheless, Klishas acknowledged the presence of risks of abuse in law enforcement. At his initiative, committee members plan to request Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov to address in the annual report to the Federation Council how the new norm is practically applied. The proposal was supported by Federation Council Chairwoman Valentina Matviyenko.

      Additionally, the law introduces fines for advertising and spreading circumvention tools, including VPN services. Citizens can be fined up to 80,000 rubles, legal entities — up to 500,000. The same sanctions are provided for violations of Roskomnadzor's prescriptions by owners of VPN devices.

      The document now awaits signature by the President of Russia.

Другие Новости Кирова (НЗК)

The Federation Council approved fines for searching extremist materials and using VPNs.

The Federation Council approved a law that imposes fines of up to 5,000 rubles for deliberate search of extremist materials on the internet. The document also provides for substantial sanctions for advertising and distributing VPN services. The Federation Council acknowledges that there are indeed risks of abuse in applying the new norms.