Online behaviour under scrutiny as Russia hunts 'extremists'

Just like his peers, Russian teenager Artyom spends "half his life" online - something that could soon become risky as a ban on searching for "extremist" content comes into force.

- 

MOSCOW - Just like his peers, Russian teenager Artyom spends "half his life" online - something that could soon become risky as a ban on searching for "extremist" content comes into force.

Since launching its offensive in Ukraine in 2022, Russia has drastically restricted press freedom and freedom of speech online.

But the new legislation takes digital surveillance even further.

It will slap fines on internet users who search for webpages, books, artwork or music albums that the authorities deem "extremist".

The term has a very broad definition, and in Russia, it can refer to terrorist groups and political opponents alike.

Browsing information on the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny or on the "international LGBTQ movement", both classified as "extremist", could lead to fines of up to 5,000 roubles (S$80).

Artyom, who spoke to AFP in one of Moscow's parks, said he was interested in "the future of our country, the policies of our leaders, those of foreign governments".

He suspected his life would "change" after the new law comes into effect in September, forcing him to be careful with every click.