A new law regulating social media and blogging websites began in Russia today amid fears that it will be used to crack down on free speech and government dissent online.
The government already exerts vast control over most forms of media. According to the Guardian, Russia's federal media watchdog organization already has the ability to shut down websites that advocate "extremist activities" or "participation in public events held in breach of appropriate procedures."
The new law , however, now extends to bloggers and social media websites.
Popularly known as the "law on bloggers," the legislation requires users of any website whose posts are read by more than 3,000 people each day to publish under their real name and register with the authorities if requested. It also holds popular bloggers to the same standards as the mass media, forbidding false information and foul language, although it doesn't guarantee them the same rights. Violators could incur fines of up to 50,000 rubles (£800) and be blacklisted.
The law extends to a number of popular social media sites, which are increasingly being used to by opposition forces and activists to organize and speak out against the Russian government and president Vladimir Putin.
Facebook, Twitter, LiveJournal and other social media sites regulated under the new law played an instrumental role in organizing the protests against president Vladimir Putin in 2011-13 and have provided a vital platform for critical voices, since most nationwide television and print media is controlled by the government.
According to the BBC, the law also requires "social networks" to maintain user data for six months, and turn that data over to authorities if asked.
Russian officials dismissed claims that the new laws were intended to curb criticism of Putin or the Kremlin, and insisted the goal of the laws were to "de-anonymise" the internet and encourage more civilized discourse.
Top offical for the Russian government's media watchdog organization, Maxim Ksenzov, was quick to assure the Russian people that they would be free to post cat photos online without being hassaled, fined or arrested.
"If you post kitten pics, speak in a civilized manner and publish no classified information, you may never be required [to register], even if you have a daily audience of 1 million visitors."
