Russia proposes fines for VPN use to access extremist content

Russia’s State Duma committee has approved amendments introducing fines of up to 5,000 rubles (around 109 manats) for deliberately searching for extremist content online, including via VPN services.

The proposed changes would add Article 13.53 to Russia’s Code of Administrative Offenses, penalizing the “search and access to extremist materials, including through software and technical means for bypassing restrictions.”

The legislation also targets access to banned online platforms and telecommunications networks.

N.Tebrizli