The head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, stated that a department within the committee is advancing a draft law. This proposal would create both administrative and criminal liability for those who generate the so‑called garbage streams as well as for those who purchase or consume this material. The goal, according to Bastrykin, is to address the circulation of these streams by penalizing both sides of the transaction, thereby reducing the incentive to produce and share such content. This point was emphasized as part of a broader push to curb negative material circulating on the internet. The policy would extend consequences to the producers and the buyers alike, reflecting a belief that demand fuels supply and that accountability should apply across the chain of creation and distribution. This stance aligns with recent parliamentary discussions on strengthening penalties for harmful online activities and signals a tough approach to digital offenses. The investigation committee has noted ongoing deliberations in the State Duma about penalties for all participants in the harmful content ecosystem. The proposed amendments include provisions that would criminalize participation in streams of violent or illegal acts, with penalties tied to the age of participants and the severity of the content. In particular, the new rules would target material that depicts cruel acts committed by individuals who have previously faced administrative responsibility and who involve minors. The proposed penalties include fines and additional sanctions designed to deter participation in or distribution of such material. The measure aims to reflect the seriousness of both creating and promoting cruel content, recognizing that buyers contribute to the ecosystem by providing revenue that sustains streams. The draft law contemplates a mixture of administrative penalties and criminal charges for those who participate in or facilitate the circulation of graphic content. A key element of the proposal is to ensure that the consequences are sufficiently strong to deter participation by minors, as well as to emphasize the responsibilities of adults who enable or profit from the distribution of harmful online material. The investigation commission thus signals a strategic move to extend accountability beyond the traditional cast of offenders, addressing a broader network of actors involved in the creation, dissemination, and monetization of objectionable media. This approach is presented as part of a national effort to combat online harms and protect vulnerable audiences, with the committee describing the alignment of policy measures to the broader legal framework under consideration in the legislative chamber. The draft provisions also specify the range of penalties that may be imposed, including financial sanctions and work-related consequences, reflecting the seriousness attributed to offenses involving minors and cruel acts captured on digital media. The overarching aim is to deter both the production of harmful content and the commercial incentives that drive its distribution, thereby contributing to a safer online environment. These developments are being monitored by officials as they proceed through the legislative process, and the committee has stressed that the measures would apply to both creators and purchasers who participate in streams that include illegal activities, particularly those involving young participants. The outcome of these discussions will determine how the law is framed and enforced, and the committee remains cautious about balancing effective protection with due process and civil liberties. The evolving framework underscores a policy orientation that treats online streams with the same seriousness as traditional offenses, asserting that multiplication of risk through easy access and monetization must be stopped at the source and at the point of sale. Citations: Investigative Committee statements and parliamentary discussions referenced in official channels indicate ongoing consideration of these provisions and their potential impact on enforcement and compliance within the digital economy.
