Russia to Fine Searches for “Extremist” Content and Target VPN Advertising

July 17, 2025

Russia’s lower parliament, the State Duma, has approved sweeping legislation that will penalize individuals for searching or accessing online content labeled “extremist”, even if such material is accessed via VPN or other circumvention tools. The new revisions to Code of Administrative Offenses (Bill No. 755710‑8) introduce significant fines for users and advertisers alike, marking a major expansion of digital restrictions in the country.The InsiderThe Moscow Times+3Digital Policy Alert+3Izvestia+3

🔐 Key Provisions of the Bill

• A new Article 13.53 will hold citizens liable for knowingly searching for or viewing extremist content online, including content accessed using VPNs or anonymizing tools. Penalties for individuals range from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles (about $38–$64) per violation.Izvestia+3Meduza+3The Insider+3

• Amendments to Article 14.3 impose fines for those advertising VPN services:

  • Citizens: 50,000–80,000 rubles

  • Officials: 80,000–150,000 rubles

  • Legal entities: 200,000–500,000 rublesMeduza+1Digital Policy Alert+1

These penalties take effect on September 1, 2025, pending the president’s signature.Digital Policy Alert+8Meduza+8The Star+8

Government Response: Controlled Use, Punitive Intent

Deputy Anton Gorelkin of the State Duma emphasized that VPN usage for legitimate personal or professional purposes will still be permitted. However, if VPNs are used in connection with alleged illicit activity, it may count as an aggravating circumstance.Izvestia+1Reddit+1 Furthermore, authorities claim there is no intention to institute mass automated monitoring of search queries, with investigations said to occur only through departmental procedures or case-by-case verification.Izvestia+1Izvestia+1

Critics Warn of Overreach and Chilling Effect

Despite assurances, digital rights advocates warn the law’s vague language may open the door to widespread abuse, surveillance, and censorship. Many fear even routine, casual searches could accidentally run afoul of the regulations.The Washington Post

Remarkably, even some pro‑Kremlin figures have criticized the legislation. Yekaterina Mizulina, a Kremlin‑aligned internet official, warned that the law might hinder monitoring efforts and backfire on the state’s own interests.Izvestia+4The Moscow Times+4The Washington Post+4

Context: Part of Escalating Control Measures

This latest crackdown builds on years of legislative consolidation. It follows previous censorship expansion under the Sovereign Internet Law and Yarovaya package (2019, 2016 respectively). Russia has also banned or throttled access to hundreds of VPN services and blacklisted thousands of websites for dissenting content. Government investments are underway to upgrade its TSPU system, aiming to bolster the state’s ability to intercept VPN traffic and enforce censorship with up to 96% accuracy.reuters.com

What’s at Stake

• The new law shifts the focus from creators and distributors to searchers themselves.

• Accessing content—even unintentionally—may now be legally risky.

• VPN providers and platforms promoting privacy tools find themselves increasingly under threat.

• It reinforces a climate where independent journalism and activism are further curtailed.

• Ordinary citizens may turn to privacy‑focused tools like DuckDuckGo or disable browsing history, but enforcement remains opaque.www.ndtv.comThe Insider

Summary Table

This legislation marks a significant escalation in Russia’s management of digital space—penalizing not just creation or distribution, but even the act of seeking content deemed unacceptable. The coming months will reveal how the law is enforced and whether dissenting voices can navigate the new rules.