Russia considers penalties for broadcast harassment and paid support
In Russia, authorities are evaluating fines for people who pay for garbage streams—live online broadcasts where bloggers ridicule others in real time. Reports from the Parliamentary newspaper indicate that lawmakers are weighing specific measures aimed at curbing this form of online abuse and the networks that enable it. The proposed approach targets not just the creators and distributors of such content, but also the people who fund it, including certain corporate entities that assist or sponsor trash streams.
Artem Tkachev, who serves as First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications, testified that the bill addressing trash streams is nearing completion. He noted that the plan would impose fines on a wider circle than before, extending to those who provide financial support to streamers. The proposal envisions penalties not only for the operators who run these broadcasts but also for the entities that back them financially, raising questions about the scope of responsibility for those who support such content indirectly.
According to Tkachev, it is necessary to introduce a clear division of accountability for the audience. His position is that when a viewer makes a donation intended to influence or harm a victim, the donor should face penalties. If the person simply contributes to sustaining the channel without directing specific harmful actions, identifying wrongdoing becomes more challenging. This distinction aims to close loopholes that previously allowed supporters to evade responsibility while keeping the focus on direct intent and impact.
However, Tkachev acknowledged potential practical difficulties in tracing donors. Much of the infrastructure for hosting and distributing these streams is located outside Russia, with many platforms and servers operating abroad. This geographic dispersion could complicate enforcement and raise questions about jurisdiction, cross-border cooperation, and the mechanisms needed to hold foreign service providers accountable within Russian law.
Earlier reports indicated that lawmakers in the State Duma were working on amendments to the Penal Code aimed at banning trash streams outright, with proposed penalties reaching up to two years for participation by minors. The broader legislative package appears designed to deter the creation and consumption of this content while clarifying legal responsibilities for those who enable or support it, regardless of their location or platform. The evolving policy landscape signals a strong emphasis on safeguarding minors and curbing online harassment through a combination of preventive measures and sanctions, aligned with ongoing debates about freedom of expression, platform responsibility, and the enforcement challenges arising from a global digital ecosystem.