Putin signs law penalizing online searches for content deemed ‘extremist’ by Russian authorities
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed amendments introducing misdemeanor penalties for the “intentional” search for banned materials online, including when using a VPN. The corresponding document was published on Russia’s official legal information portal.
Under the new legislation, individuals found to have “deliberately” searched for “extremist” content face fines ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (approximately $37 to $62).
The amendments also establish penalties for “violating rules” on the use of VPN services. Individuals who advertise VPNs may be fined between 50,000 and 80,000 rubles ($620 to $990). Fines for officials range from 80,000 to 150,000 rubles ($990 to $1,850), and for legal entities, from 200,000 to 500,000 rubles ($2,470 to $6,170).
The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025.
The legislation was passed by the State Duma on July 22. Sixty-seven lawmakers voted against the bill, while 22 abstained.
At a cabinet meeting with Putin, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said the law would not apply to ordinary users who do not intentionally seek out prohibited “extremist” materials — even if they use VPNs. In response to a question from the president about how the law would work “in practice,” Shadayev said that in each case, prosecutors would need to prove intent and that the individual knowingly sought out content deemed “extremist” by the Russian government.
