Russia Criminalizes Online Searches: Fines for Accessing 'Extremist' Content, Even via VPNs

Russian lawmakers have passed a sweeping new law that imposes fines on individuals who search for or access online content deemed 'extremist' by authorities, even if they use VPNs to do so. The legislation expands previous restrictions, which already penalized sharing such content, to now include merely searching for or viewing it. Critics warn that the law significantly tightens internet censorship, threatens digital privacy, and could be used to target dissent or controversial groups like Pussy Riot. The move is part of a broader crackdown on internet freedom in Russia, with additional penalties for VPN usage and increasing blocks on foreign websites and messaging apps. Both opposition and some pro-government figures have voiced concerns about the law's potential for abuse and its chilling effect on free expression.