The lower chamber of Russia’s parliament advanced a bill on first reading that targets the distribution of photos and videos showing brutal crimes, their aftermath, and calls for violence. Authorities would block such materials, including streams that depict cruelty, in the Russian information space, according to coverage by TASS.
The sponsors, a coalition of senators and lawmakers, introduced the measure in December 2023. It amends the Law on Information, Information Technologies and Protection of Information, aiming to curb graphic content that promotes harm.
Under the proposal, disseminating content that depicts illegal acts carried out with cruelty, the consequences of those acts, or explicit calls to commit similar actions could lead to the inclusion of the corresponding Internet resource in the registry of sites banned in the Russian Federation. This creates a mechanism for administrative action against platforms that fail to comply with the new obligations.
The bill would also require social network operators to identify such materials and take steps to limit their distribution. It further expands existing rules in the Law on the Protection of Children from Information Harmful to their Health and Development by clarifying that violent material falls into information categories prohibited for minors. The proposed changes reflect concerns about protecting minors and reducing exposure to graphic violence online.
In related enforcement activity, there have been recent cases involving individuals associated with streaming platforms, highlighting ongoing debates about responsibility for user-generated content and the speed with which authorities seek to regulate harmful material. Observers note that the measure could increase pressure on tech firms to police content more aggressively, while critics warn of potential overreach and the risk of limiting legitimate information. The discussion touches on broader issues of information sovereignty, civic safety, and the balance between freedom of expression and public order. The outcome of the bill remains to be seen as it moves through parliamentary procedures and faces scrutiny from various stakeholders. This development is being monitored by researchers and policy observers who focus on media regulation and digital governance in the region. (attribution: TASS)