Russia will punish those who access extremist content; Opponent and LGBT websites are in the aim

Russian President Vladimir Putin during a government members on June 4, 2025 Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via Reuters the Russian Parliament approved on Tuesday (22) a law to fine users who access online content classified as “extremists”. The measure mainly aims at opposition -related sites or posts on LGBTQIA+theme. ✅ Click here to follow the G1 international news channel on WhatsApp the proposal is seen as another step in repression by hardening state control over the digital environment. The measure was passed by a score of 306 to 67. The new law provides for fines between R $ 220 and R $ 360 for those who are caught deliberately accessing on the Internet any material contested by Kremlin. The use of VPNs will be considered an aggravating circumstance. Although the government claims that the measure aims to combat digital frauds and crimes, critics indicate that the definition of “extremist content” is arbitrary and serves to silence opponents. Among the targets already classified as extremists are the anti -corruption fund of opponent Alexei Navalny – killed in 2024 – and the LGBTQia+movement. Goal platforms are also on the radar, and WhatsApp can be banned from the country. “People don’t want this law,” said Deputy Vladislav Davankov of the Liberal Party “New People.” But Duma President Vyacheslav Volodin defended the measure as a way to protect the country from western platforms “in the hands of hostile nations.” The text now goes to the Russian Senate and, if approved, will be promulgated by President Vladimir Putin. ‘Foreign Agents’ Russia and Ukraine make 4th round of negotiations to try to respond in war in recent years, the Russian government has adopted a number of measures to restrict access to information. Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter have been blocked or severely limited on the grounds of protecting national security and combating foreign influence. In addition, several independent press vehicles, but also non-governmental associations and organizations, were labeled as “foreign agents”, which imposed severe legal and financial restrictions, leading many to end their activities or operate in exile. Opposition -related organizations, such as Alexei Navalny’s Anti -Corruption Fund, were banned and classified as extremists, making population access even more difficult to access alternative sources of information. Videos on the g1 Videos: More assisted from G1

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