Story perspectives

Putin bans platforms, criminalizes searches, raises fees.

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Vladimir Putin ordered a list of “unfriendly” platforms to be restricted.
A new law criminalizes online searches deemed extremist, such as LGBTQ+ content and Navalny’s memoir.
License fees increased from 7,500 rubles (~$90) to 1 million rubles (over $12,300).
Seven firms control more than half of IP addresses, with Rostelecom holding 25%.
MAX logged over 2 million registrations by July, while WhatsApp, used by 97 million people in April, faces a ban.

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Story summary

President Vladimir Putin ordered a list of “unfriendly” platforms to be restricted.
A new law criminalizes online searches deemed extremist, such as LGBTQ+ content and Navalny’s memoir.
License fees increased from 7,500 rubles (~$90) to 1 million rubles (over $12,300).
Seven firms control more than half of IP addresses, with Rostelecom holding 25%.
MAX logged over 2 million registrations by July, while WhatsApp, used by 97 million people in April, faces a ban.