Russian Parliament Backs Harsh Regulations On Bloggers

April 29, 2014

Russia's upper house of parliament, the Federation Council, has backed tough new restrictions on bloggers and social-networking sites. 

Under the new legislation, bloggers with more than 3,000 readers per day will be required to submit their personal details to a special register.

Bloggers will also have to abide by rules applicable to mass media, including on libel, extremism, and accuracy of published information, or face fines of up to $1,400.

The bill has already been passed by the lower house, the State Duma. It must now be signed into law by President Vladimir Putin. 

The head of the presidential human rights council, Mikhail Fedotov, had advised against passing the legislation. 

Based on reporting by AFP and ITAR-TASS