Russia blocks access to nearly 56,000 websites that refused to remove content deemed extremist by Moscow

Russia is increasingly restricting free access to the Internet and the Russian media regulator "Roskomnadzor" recently blocked access to nearly 56,000 websites that refused to remove online content deemed "extremist" by Moscow, DPA reported, quoted by BTA, referring to a statement yesterday by the Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications Maksut Shadayev.

At the same time, Shadayev defended the new controversial law adopted yesterday by the Russian parliament that criminalizes the search for such content. According to him, "ordinary users" will not have any problems.

The law in question was adopted by a majority in the third and final reading yesterday in the State Duma in the capital Moscow. According to Russian media, more than 60 deputies voted "against" the adoption of the law.

The law provides for fines for intentionally searching the Internet for content classified as "extremist". Those who criticize the Kremlin, such as the organization of the Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny, who died in prison, "Anti-Corruption Foundation", are mainly classified in this way.

The law has caused controversy even before it was adopted. Media critical of the Kremlin wrote about the strictest tightening of control over the Internet in Russia in years.

During the discussions, there was also talk of "criminalizing" reading on the Internet.

Ahead of the third reading in parliament, which will take place later today, there were protests and arrests in front of the State Duma building in Moscow.