Russian Parliament Votes In Favor Of Internet Censorship Law

It seems the idea of internet censorship has now spread to Russia, the country’s parliament has voted to approve a new amendment to the Act for Information that gives the government the right to shut down any sites that contain images of child abuse, illegal material, etc. Essentially the authorities could block these infringing sites without the need for a trial. While opponents of the law have spoken out against, it saying censorship could be extended further at a later date, it still seems likely it will pass. That said, as of this moment Russian President Vladimir Putin must sign the bill into law, after which the Federation Council of Russia (Russia’s Upper House) must also approve it. This may not take long to happen, as local reports are suggesting that it could be put into effect by November. Furthermore, the deputies who have amended that law have also edited the reference to “harmful information”, instead it has been replaced with a list of content that is forbidden. The content the blacklist will now restrict access to are sites that contain information on how to commit suicide, material that encourages drug use, sexual abuse of children and soliciting children for pornography. In this sense, the amended law has a purpose that should be considered for the greater good, however censorship is and always will be a slippery slope.