A legislative proposal in Russia has been revisited by the State Duma, this time with the backing of deputies from the New People party. The draft seeks to remove penalties related to likes and other engagement actions on social networks, proposing a shift in how online expressions are treated within the administrative code. The development was reported by the newspaper Vedomosti, which tracks parliamentary moves and legal reforms within the country.
The core idea of the new bill is to adjust provisions in the Code of Administrative Offenses that currently address acts such as inciting hatred or hostility and insulting human dignity. The proposed revision aims to include a clarification: penalties would apply to actions aimed at provoking others to engage in hostile behavior, but not to ordinary expressions of sentiment through internet posts like likes, shares, or other engagement metrics. In addition, the bill envisions applying a similar clarifying note to articles that cover public actions intended to discredit the Armed Forces or volunteer formations, ensuring that the language distinguishes between legitimate personal expression and targeted attempts to undermine military or paramilitary bodies.
Proponents from the New People faction emphasize that the justice system should be more humane and precise in its handling of online activity. They point to an observed rise in investigations and administrative actions under these two articles, arguing that the current wording can lead to overreach and confusion about what constitutes a punishable offense in the digital sphere. The lawmakers contend that without clear guidelines, ordinary users who express opinions online risk facing penalties for behavior that does not fit the traditional notion of provocation or discrediting conduct. The bill therefore seeks to reduce ambiguity and promote more measured judicial practice when evaluating online speech.
Although the proposal was submitted to the government for review in the early part of the year, it did not secure government support in its initial form. The debate around digital expression in Russia has attracted attention from legal scholars, policymakers, and civil society observers who argue that online life should be governed by principles that balance freedom of expression with responsible conduct. The current discussion reflects broader conversations about how social networks influence public discourse and how the state should respond to online behavior that may be controversial or provocative without stifling legitimate expression.
Among the lawmakers associated with the initiative is Vladislav Davankov, a deputy chairman of the State Duma representing the New People faction. His involvement signals an ongoing effort within the party to push for reforms that recalibrate administrative penalties related to speech in virtual spaces. The bill’s authors emphasize the importance of clear definitions and consistent application of the law to reduce the risk of punishment for everyday online interactions that do not amount to disinformation campaigns or deliberate provocation. This approach aligns with a broader aim to modernize legal language so that it matches contemporary digital communication practices while preserving public order and respect for constitutional rights.
Commentary from medical and social researchers also figures into the discourse around online behavior. Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, who previously worked in the Gemotest Laboratory, has highlighted concerns about how misuse of social networks can affect mental well-being in younger populations. She notes that excessive or inappropriate online engagement may contribute to issues such as digital dementia—an evolving concept used to describe cognitive or mental health effects associated with extensive digital interaction. While this perspective centers on potential health consequences, it underscores the need for careful consideration of how online activities intersect with real-world outcomes and public policy. These observations frame part of the broader conversation about responsibility, safety, and the societal impact of social media use among children and adolescents.
In a separate yet noteworthy moment within the tech world, a familiar figure connected to social media platforms made headlines when a major network owner returned to posting after a long hiatus. The recent return of a prominent tech leader to social media activity has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics of online presence and the influence of platform policies on user behavior. This development, while not directly tied to the Russian legislative debate, adds to the global context in which governments, platforms, and users navigate digital communication practices and the norms that govern them.