Russia Blocks 56,000 Websites as Searches for Kremlin Criticism Become Illegal

In a significant escalation of internet censorship, Russian authorities have restricted access to approximately 56,000 websites, a move attributed to the refusal of these sites to comply with state demands regarding content deemed 'extremist.' This crackdown has intensified particularly since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, raising serious concerns about the erosion of free expression online.

The announcement was made by Maksut Shadajew, the Minister of Digital Development, who defended this restrictive policy while asserting that ordinary users would not face repercussions. However, critics argue that this legislation marks a troubling shift in the landscape of digital freedoms.

Recently passed by the State Duma, the controversial legislation imposes penalties for individuals who actively search for information categorized as 'extremist,' particularly targeting those who criticize the government. This includes organizations like the Anti-Corruption Foundation, associated with the late Kremlin opponent Alexei Navalny, who died while imprisoned under contentious circumstances.

Prior to its final approval, the proposed law faced significant backlash, with many observers labeling it the most severe tightening of internet regulations in recent years. The law has been described as a form of 'criminalizing' online reading, prompting protests and arrests in Moscow ahead of the vote.

Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, acknowledged the potential for amendments, emphasizing the need for careful implementation to avoid penalizing innocent individuals or those required to access a wide range of information for their professional duties.

Since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, Russia has significantly ramped up its efforts to control and censor the internet. This has resulted in not only website blocks but also the throttling of online services to the point where using them without a VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become nearly impossible. Furthermore, even VPN services themselves are increasingly being restricted, and promoting them may result in hefty fines under newly enacted regulations.

The implications of these developments are profound, as they signal a continuing trend towards a highly monitored and censored digital environment in Russia, further stifling dissent and limiting access to information for the populace.