Internet providers operating in the Russian segment of the web will be forced to give information about their users to law enforcement agencies, according to a bill posted on the Justice Ministry’s web site.

Neither the bill nor an attached memorandum indicated what kind of information the providers would be obliged to hand over.

The legislation calls for fines to be levied on offending parties for not handing over the required information. The fines range from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles ($49 to $66) for citizens, from 3,000 to 4,000 rubles for officials, and from 30,000 to 40,000 rubles for firms.

In addition, the legislation calls for criminal charges to be filed against those suspected of tampering with state web sites. Misusing or tampering with material on state web sites could result in a fine of 200,000 to 500,000 rubles or up to three years in prison.

If the same crime is carried out by a group or a person with access to state information systems, the law calls for three to seven years in prison.

The proposed legislation drew a stern rebuke from civil liberties groups.

“From my point of view this is part of a big strategy,” said Lev Ponomaryov, head of For Human Rights, Interfax reported. “There is a continuing attack on human rights going on,” he said.

If the Justice Ministry approves the bill, it will be considered by the State Duma.

(Vedomosti, MT)