Russia is pushing for a domestic analogue of an online encyclopedia that would publish only verified material. In an interview with Reedus, Nikita Danyuk, deputy director of the Institute for Strategic Studies and Forecasts at RUDN University, commented on the recent 800 thousand ruble fine imposed on a site for refusing to remove materials about the extremist makeup of the Psyche group within the Russian Federation. The expert argued that the decision against the online resource was justified and emphasized that Western platforms should recognize Roskomnadzor’s requirements rather than disregard them. He noted that the regulator seeks a constructive path with foreign IT companies, but that fines and other measures are likely to follow if Western digital firms refuse to engage in dialogue and persist in noncompliance with the law. According to Danyuk, Russians deserve access to objective information to form a broad, multi angle understanding of world events. The issue is not isolated. The Wikimedia Foundation, which operates the Russian Wikipedia, has faced penalties before. On February 28, a Moscow court ordered a 2 million ruble fine for failing to remove publications about three units of the Russian Armed Forces. The broader aim, as described by the expert, is to foster reliable knowledge about major topics while ensuring transparency and accountability in content moderation across platforms.
The discussion highlights a growing push inside Russia for an information system that can be routinely updated with vetted data, balanced perspectives, and clearly sourced material. Proponents argue that such a resource would reduce the spread of misinformation by presenting a consistently reviewed repository of facts, histories, and analysis. Critics, meanwhile, warn about potential risks to academic freedom and the dangers of centralized control over information. The debate also touches on the responsibilities of global tech companies when operating under a web of diverse national laws. Supporters of the proposed domestic encyclopedia contend that a country with a large population and complex geopolitical interests must have a reliable, accessible reference that can withstand political pressure and censorship while maintaining high standards of editorial integrity. They point to the value of openly cited sources, expert contributions, and transparent editorial processes as hallmarks of credibility. The discussion further explores how such a platform could collaborate with educational institutions, researchers, and independent media to ensure a broad and accurate representation of topics important to the public. The goal would be to equip readers with trustworthy information that supports informed civic participation and thoughtful discourse across communities. In this context, the role of regulation is seen not as punishment but as a framework guiding responsible information management and protection against the spread of harmful or misleading content. The evolving landscape of digital information demands tools that can verify claims, trace origins, and provide clear context for readers who seek to understand complex issues without sensationalism. The overall aim remains clear: to foster a culture of verified knowledge that respects diverse viewpoints while adhering to established legal and ethical standards. The conversation continues to unfold across universities, policy think tanks, and online communities as stakeholders explore how best to balance openness with accountability in a rapidly changing information environment. The outcome could shape how knowledge is curated and consumed in Russia and beyond, influencing the way people access reliable, well-sourced information in the digital age.