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Putin's New Law Cracks Down on Online Dissent

8/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a controversial law imposing hefty fines for accessing "extremist" content online, including through VPNs. With penalties soaring from 3,000 to 500,000 rubles ($35 to $5,600), this move tightens the grip of censorship in a nation where 417,000 websites were blocked in 2024, stifling dissenting voices.

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Story summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin has enacted a controversial law imposing hefty fines for accessing "extremist" content online, including through VPNs. With penalties soaring from 3,000 to 500,000 rubles ($35 to $5,600), this move tightens the grip of censorship in a nation where 417,000 websites were blocked in 2024, stifling dissenting voices.