The conversation centered on Artemy Lebedev, a well-known Russian art designer and blogger, and his views on the Safe Internet League. In a candid dialogue with journalist Yuri Dud, who is recognized in Russia as a foreign media figure, Lebedev shared pointed criticisms about the group led by Ekaterina Mizulina. He described the activities of the league as infoterrorism and conveyed a sense of concern about their impact on the country.
Asked about his opinion of Mizulina herself, Lebedev answered with strong disappointment. He stated that Mizulina’s efforts and the league’s campaigns were harmful, arguing that they tended to frighten people and push them away from engaging with the nation. The blogger’s stance reflected a broader worry that certain online governance moves could erode trust and drive citizens toward disengagement rather than constructive dialogue.
Lebedev explicitly disavowed support for the activities attributed to the Safe Internet League, underscoring his belief that such approaches have no place in a healthy public sphere. He argued that the state should not rely on fear or coercive tactics to shape online behavior, and he framed the situation as infoterrorism—an attempt to weaponize information as a tool of pressure or intimidation against ordinary people.
During the interview, which featured Lebedev as the guest in a program hosted by Yuri Dud, the discussion explored the tension between online safety initiatives and personal freedoms. Lebedev’s perspective highlighted the risk of overregulation stifling creativity, expression, and open discourse on digital platforms. He called for public scrutiny, civic engagement, and a more balanced approach to internet governance that respects individual rights while addressing real safety concerns.
Public interest in the exchange surged as viewers watched the discussion unfold on a popular video platform. The interview drew considerable attention, attracting a large audience, numerous likes, and a flurry of comments that reflected a polarized debate about internet policy and the responsibilities of online guardians alike. The engagement indicated a robust public conversation about how information controls influence culture, media, and personal choice in contemporary Russia.
Ekaterina Mizulina is presented here as a public figure with a multifaceted resume. She has served as the executive director of a prominent child welfare organization, held a position within the Public Chamber, and led the Safe Internet League. Her profile also includes blogging activities and a notable family connection to Elena Mizulina, a former senator. The discussion underscores how Mizulina’s public persona intersects with policy efforts aimed at shaping digital life in the country and the broader conversations about the role of civil institutions in safeguarding children and online spaces.
Earlier periods in Russia’s online landscape have been marked by notable upheavals, including significant deviations in the performance of major video platforms. These moments prompted public debate about platform policies, content moderation, and the balance between free expression and safety online. The current dialogue about the Safe Internet League and related figures remains part of a longer narrative about how the state, civil society, and individual citizens navigate the evolving rules of the internet.