Stricter constraints on Internet than on narcotics

As of September 1, 2025, the Russian Federation is set to replace WhatsApp and Telegram with its homegrown “Max” app, and citizens who access banned “extremist materials” on the internet will be subject to fines. The list of banned materials is constantly growing with no clear boundaries, engendering an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. Subsequent to his May meeting with business leaders, on July 16 Putin released a list of presidential orders, including Pr-1608, p. 1b)-2, calling for “the introduction of additional restrictions on the use in the Russian Federation of software (including communications services) produced in unfriendly foreign countries”. On July 18 the Duma discussed legislation that will make it illegal to look at items on the Federal list of extremist materials, currently comprised of over 5,500 texts, websites, and works of art.