An official move is underway to impose stricter penalties on bloggers who provide public education services online within Russia. A major publication labeled the development as a significant news item and reported on planned regulatory steps.
A working group within the State Duma, led by Deputy Chairman Pyotr Tolstoy of United Russia and Yana Lantratova, First Deputy Chairman of the Education Committee from Fair Russia – For Truth, is preparing to review amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code. The discussion is slated for a session on March 21. Invitations have gone out to representatives from the Ministry of Digital Development, the Ministry of Economic Development, Rosstandart, and several other agencies, as well as members of the blogging community who may be affected by any new rules.
The event agenda reviewed by Izvestia notes a proposed new article titled “Provision of information services using remote technologies by a person who is not a member of the self-regulatory organization” to be added to the Code of Administrative Offenses. The outline suggests that those who sell information products online without legitimate accreditation would be subject to liability under this article, with accreditation available only through a specially created organization established for this purpose.
Officials explain that accreditation acts as a quality safeguard; bloggers operating without it could fail to guarantee the reliability of their offerings or the safety of users, potentially exposing the public to misinformation or fraudulent activity. The plan also includes amendments to the Criminal Code that would introduce penalties for unaccredited bloggers who provide remote information and consulting services that inflict substantial harm on individuals, organizations, or the state. The proposed measures are framed as a way to protect citizens from harmful online practices while ensuring accountability for those delivering remote guidance.
As part of the discussion, the working group cited concrete cases to illustrate the potential harm associated with unregulated online coaching. One cited example involved a business coach who used psychological methods and manipulation to persuade clients to invest large sums into a so-called business empire. The scheme promised participants passive income and a share of profits, yet resulted in significant financial losses for many investors, highlighting the risk that unaccredited practitioners can pose to trusting customers.
In another development, former Senator Shakin mentioned that the regulatory body RKN would begin blocking all VPN services starting March 1, 2024. The statement underscores broader questions about online access and the constraints that may accompany efforts to regulate information services and remote consulting in the digital space. The announced plans are expected to provoke extensive discussion regarding how to balance consumer protection with the freedoms of digital expression and the practicality of enforcement across a vast online landscape.