In the digital age, freedom of information has become a fundamental pillar of our societies. However, in certain corners of the world, the simple act of searching the internet can be a serious crime. Russia, under the yoke of an increasingly authoritarian government, has implemented a series of measures that have transformed the network into a minefield for its citizens. What does it mean to live in a country where digital curiosity is punished?
An ambiguous and dangerous legal framework
Since September 1, a new law has come into force in Russia, establishing an unprecedented crime: “searching for and accessing manifestly extremist material.” Although initially the fines were around 5,000 rubles (about 53 euros), history teaches us that these types of regulations tend to become tougher over time. The main problem lies in the vagueness of its wording, a deliberate feature that allows security forces to apply it arbitrarily.
Currently, the Russian government has declared more than 5,500 items and organizations extremist. The list is alarming and heterogeneous: from the “international LGTB movement”, which brings together the entire LGTBIQ+ community, to the organization of the opposition Alekséi Navalni or Greenpeace. Even the most popular social networks, such as Instagram and Facebook, are in the spotlight and considered “extremist.” Can you imagine a world where your usual communication platforms are illegal?
VPN as a double-edged sword and government espionage
Artiom Sheikin, one of the promoters of this law, has assured that access to these platforms through a VPN will not be punished. However, the reality is more complex. As Animosov has pointed out, there are two interpretations of the law: one is limited to specific articles, while the other extends to any content that “promotes or justifies extremist activity.” This ambiguity opens the door to discretionary use by authorities.
According to OVD-Info, this law is a perfect example of Russian repressive legislation. Although it is not applied massively, it is used in specific cases with a severity that seeks to intimidate the rest of the population. The ban on disseminating VPN services not approved by Roskomnadzor, the internet watchdog, aggravates the situation. Now, the use of banned VPNs is considered an aggravating factor in sentences, making anonymous browsing even more difficult.
The Russian government not only persecutes, but also spies. Russian telecommunications operators and service platforms are obliged to provide security forces with access to searches for their citizens. Google Russia and Yandex have already been sanctioned for refusing to collaborate with the FSB in this regard. Since this summer, WhatsApp and Telegram calls have been blocked, and now, all devices must have Max, the government-promoted messaging service, installed. This gives the Kremlin full access to contacts and documents, turning each device into a potential surveillance tool.
Education as a tool of indoctrination
The repression is not limited to the digital sphere. The new school year has brought with it restrictions in education. Foreign language teaching hours have been reduced to give priority to content on the invasion of Ukraine and its supposed “military glories.” The subject “Conversation about what is important” has even been extended to kindergartens, where it is taught to “die for the country” and the “traditional values” that Putin claims to defend against the “decadence” of the West are praised.
This situation invites us to reflect: To what extent can a government control the thinking and information of its citizens? What role does education play in perpetuating an authoritarian regime? The fight for freedom of expression and access to information remains a global challenge, and Russia is a clear example of the battles that remain to be fought.
