Internet Freedom Index Drops by 22 Points in January
The Internet Protection Society (OZI) has published its January report, revealing that the Internet Freedom Index in Russia dropped by another 22 points. The study, which analyzed trends in the Russian segment of the internet (Runet) during January, highlights the ongoing trend of excessive government regulation of the online space. As a result, the Index now stands at 547 points as of February 1, 2018, according to OZI’s website.
During the reporting month, 32 media reports related to internet freedom in Russia were monitored, with seven key cases discussed in detail below.
1. Messaging Apps and Social Networks Banned from Disclosing Cooperation with FSB
Officials have prohibited companies registered as information dissemination organizers (ORIs) from disclosing to third parties any facts or content of their interactions with law enforcement agencies, as stated in a government decree dated January 18. The document requires ORIs to ensure non-disclosure of any information about such cooperation to third parties, in accordance with Russian law.
Experts largely agreed that this event had, at best, a neutral impact. Vladislav Zdolnikov, author of the Telegram channel “IT Criminal Cases SORM Russia,” commented that this initiative changes nothing, as companies that did or did not cooperate with the FSB previously are unlikely to start talking about it now. OZI notes that, to date, no Russian company has publicly disclosed cooperation with security or military agencies, making the so-called “canary notice” practice unlikely to take root in Russian corporate governance.
2. Moscow Region Activist Sentenced to 1.5 Years for Social Media Posts
Civil activist Valentin Sokolov from Kolomna, a father of four, was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison for inciting hatred through social media posts. He was taken into custody in the courtroom. Sokolov claimed the case was fabricated, citing irregularities in the evidence presented by the FSB. Experts strongly criticized the event, highlighting concerns about the quality of evidence and investigative competence in Russian courts.
Damir Gainutdinov, a lawyer with Agora specializing in freedom of speech cases, called the event “extremely dangerous,” noting that authorities, having realized the ineffectiveness of blocking as a control method, are now targeting users to intimidate those willing to share information. He predicts further growth in self-censorship.
3. Authorities Seek to Ban Anonymous Online Payments
At the request of the Russian government, relevant agencies are preparing legislative amendments to de-anonymize electronic wallets and allow funds to be credited only from bank accounts. Agencies including the Central Bank, Rosfinmonitoring, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Economic Development have expressed concern over anonymous e-wallets, which currently allow up to 15,000 rubles to be credited anonymously. There are over 100 million active anonymous e-wallets and prepaid cards in Russia, according to the Electronic Money Association.
The Central Bank proposes banning cash withdrawals from e-wallets, while Rosfinmonitoring insists on mandatory identification of wallet holders. Experts see this as another attack on online anonymity and a potential way to restrict crowdfunding for independent, especially socio-political, projects.
4. Arkady Dvorkovich: Lower Duty-Free Threshold and Introduce VAT on Foreign Online Purchases
Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich stated that e-commerce in Russia should be regulated by both VAT and customs duties, starting with lowering the duty-free threshold. He emphasized the need for a gradual approach to avoid additional administrative burdens on businesses.
Although this news may seem only indirectly related to internet freedom, OZI respondents consider it significant. Anton Ershov, chairman of the Pirate Party of Russia, argued that the initiative is not about supporting local business but about tax collection, and that reducing the tax burden on domestic production and retail would be a better approach.
5. IT Code: Proposal to Completely Rewrite Russian Internet and Communications Laws
The Open Government platform has begun developing an Infocommunications Code-a unified document intended to replace existing laws on communications, information technology, and personal data. According to a representative of the Media Communications Union, current legislation is too focused on technical regulation and cannot keep up with developments in the media and communications sector. The new code aims to address not only technology and industry relations but also risks and opportunities, including data privacy and constitutional rights.
OZI notes that while this could be a landmark event, the Media Communications Union has a controversial reputation, and experts are skeptical about the potential impact. Artem Kozlyuk, head of RosKomSvoboda, warns that the initiative comes from a group responsible for some of the most restrictive internet laws in recent years, and sees it as a move toward further restrictions and state control.
6. Prosecutor General, Investigative Committee, Interior Ministry, and Roskomnadzor Support Yarovaya’s New Blocking Initiative
Russia has launched a campaign similar to the hysteria surrounding the so-called “death groups” law, this time targeting websites allegedly inciting youth to commit crimes or violence. Following a series of school attacks involving minors, authorities quickly blamed the internet, despite a lack of evidence. Several groups were blocked by Roskomnadzor, and politicians began proposing questionable regulatory measures.
OZI notes that in any unclear situation, Russian security agencies opt to block the internet, which is nothing new. While experts agree this is bad for free online communication, they also point out that it mainly reflects poorly on the authorities. Vladimir Kharitonov, executive director of the Internet Publishers Association, sarcastically remarked that it’s surprising officials haven’t yet proposed allowing internet access only to approved addresses.
7. Ministry of Labor Allows Officials Not to Declare Cryptocurrency
The Ministry of Labor has approved updated guidelines for government officials’ income declarations, which for the first time mention virtual currencies and allow them to be omitted from the relevant forms. Since cryptocurrencies are not regulated by law, officials do not have to declare them for 2017. OZI comments that this event reveals the essence of “internet regulation” in Russia and the principle of “a crow will not peck out another crow’s eye.” Experts were restrained in their comments, with the most telling being: “C stands for corruption. Or cryptocurrency, if you prefer. But they’re in the same category.”
Additionally, OZI notes another attempt by controversial lawmaker Vitaly Milonov to push a bill requiring passport registration for social networks. However, given his track record of failed initiatives, even his colleagues rarely take his proposals seriously. Experts simply commented: “Milonov. Self-promotion. Everyone’s used to it.”
Overall, the trend remains discouraging-there have been no visible relaxations for Runet, and if anything, the authorities’ desire to regulate the internet and reduce online rights has only grown stronger. However, not all of their ambitions are feasible, as seen in the ongoing attempts to regulate services that help bypass government blocks.