Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a bill imposing fines on individuals who intentionally search for extremist content online, sparking concerns among internet users. However, officials have clarified that the law targets deliberate searches for illegal material, not accidental access or general VPN use.

The new law aims to penalize the intentional seeking out of materials deemed extremist by the Russian Ministry of Justice. Fines will be issued to individuals who deliberately search for content already flagged as illegal and included in the Ministry’s register of prohibited items, which currently lists over 5,500 items, including songs, books, videos, and websites.

Authorities have emphasized that the law is not intended for mass surveillance or random monitoring of citizens’ search queries. Punishments will only be applied based on citizen reports, media publications, or inspections, ensuring that individuals who accidentally stumble upon prohibited content will not be penalized.

To prosecute individuals under this law, law enforcement must prove intentionality, which can be challenging. Evidence may include search query data, website browsing history (if VPNs are not used), and activity on social media platforms.

The legislation also addresses the use of VPNs, but officials have clarified that VPN use itself is not prohibited. The focus is on individuals who use VPNs to actively circumvent bans and access extremist content.

The law also addresses issues like illegally transferring a subscriber number to a third party, transferring data to log in to the Internet, using virtual PBXs, improper use of equipment providing access to prohibited sites, and violations of obligations of organizers of information dissemination on the Internet. Fines for each of these violations vary, as detailed in separate articles.

Despite the ban on Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, as an extremist organization, simply accessing these platforms is permitted. However, users should be cautious about displaying the logos of these social networks, as they could be interpreted as propaganda. Sharing extremist materials through these platforms can result in accountability.