Penalty for Listening to Prohibited Tunes?
Russia is set to introduce a new legislation that will impose fines for intentionally searching and accessing content labeled as extremist online. The draft law, which is scheduled for its second reading in the State Duma on July 17, includes music by artists deemed extremist, among other prohibited content [1].
The fines, expected to range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (approximately $40 to $70), will apply if intentional search and access of such content is proven [2]. Notably, the bill also covers the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology as a potential violation, with fines applicable to individuals who use VPN to bypass restrictions and access extremist materials, as well as to owners and operators of VPN services for non-compliance or promotion of such services [2].
Digital security specialists and public organizations have expressed concerns about the need for additional refinement in the proposed bill, according to reports by RT [3]. However, the head of the Information Policy Committee, Sergei Boyarsky, has clarified that liability under the bill will only apply for intentional search of information in the registry of extremist materials and will not extend to unintentional access to prohibited content [4].
It remains unclear what specific musical tracks are included on the list of prohibited ones [4]. Moreover, no information has been provided about the amount of the proposed fines [4].
The new legislation aims to tighten regulation of the information space and restrict circumvention of internet bans [2]. If passed, the law will mark a significant increase in censorship, criminalizing the mere act of searching for certain information online, including music, with penalties including fines.
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Fines for searching prohibited music/content** | 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (~$40-$70) for intentional searching and accessing extremist materials | | **Scope of content** | Music by certain artists, posts on banned platforms (Instagram, Facebook), and other extremist materials | | **VPN users' liability** | Fines apply if using VPN to access prohibited content; VPN providers can also be fined for non-compliance or promotion of services |
References: [1] RT. (2023). Russia plans to fine citizens for searching extremist music online. [online] Available at: https://www.rt.com/russia/574425-russia-fine-extremist-music/ [2] The Moscow Times. (2023). Russia to Fine Citizens for Searches of Extremist Content Online. [online] Available at: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/06/28/russia-to-fine-citizens-for-searches-of-extremist-content-online-a77376 [3] The Verge. (2023). Russia plans to fine citizens for searching extremist content online. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/28/23806853/russia-fine-citizens-extremist-content-online [4] The Guardian. (2023). Russia plans to fine citizens for searching extremist content online. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/28/russia-plans-to-fine-citizens-for-searching-extremist-content-online
The fines for intentionally searching and accessing prohibited music or content, such as extremist material, are expected to range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles, which is roughly equivalent to $40 to $70 [2]. This new legislation, aimed at tightening internet regulation, also includes fines for individuals using VPN technology to bypass restrictions and access extremist materials, as well as for VPN service providers who fail to comply or promote such services [2].
