Support The Moscow Times!

Official Criticizes Proposed U.S. Internet Law

Communications and Press Minister Igor Shchyogolev said in an op-ed published Friday that the proposed U.S. Internet legislation known as SOPA could become a censorship tool and is therefore in opposition to democratic principles.

"It is impossible to block and censor the Internet—otherwise it simply loses its point," Shchyogolev said, writing in business daily Vedomosti.

The opinion that Russia seeks strict control over the Internet is inaccurate, the communications minister said.

He added that the government is not considering the step of closing access to Twitter and Facebook in case of public demonstrations. Last month's demonstrations protesting the recent State Duma elections were organized in part with the use of Facebook.

Last month popular social network Vkontakte received a request from the Federal Security Service to shut down groups that call for street fights or revolution. The site said it can block individual users only if they call for violence.

Russia last month effectively blocked a U.S.-supported project to adopt a declaration of Internet freedoms at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe last month.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more