Lately, Russian President Vladimir Putin tightens Internet restrictions. How does he do this? So he signs laws stopping proxy services. This includes the VPN (virtual private networks). Then he included the end of anonymous use of instant messages.
Putin signed these bills into law July 29. They also say they need these laws to fight crime, terrorism and extremism. But critics disagree. In fact, critics say he’s doing this to fight his political opponents. These anti-Internet laws take effect on November 1, 2017. But keep in mind Putin is up for re-election in March 2018.
Under these new laws, ISPs must block VPNs and other proxy services. They also tell messenger apps to give phone numbers and identify all their users. Furthermore, operators can restrict access if they’re downloading illegal activities according to Russian law. Because here is what happens. Russian travelers leave the country. Then they use aliases in their instant messaging. They can get anything they want. It’s happening. Recently, they convicted a blogger for hate speech. This blogger often criticizes religion. One time, he put up a You Tube video of him playing Pokemon Go in church. He know that would upset quite a few people. But is it enough to get 3 1/2 years probation? Is it enough to call it extremism?
In my eyes, no it is not. Putin tightens Internet restrictions; he is playing a dangerous game. I don’t know if he’s doing this for political moves. Or maybe he’s doing this to really keep his country safe. But when you use IT support to limit people’s freedom, and to mess up their privacy, it’s never a good thing. And whose to say the real criminals won’t try something else after this? So it’s the innocent that will suffer. And that is no way to win an election. Will Putin keep that in mind for March 2018?