According to the new law, legal entities and individuals who disseminate false news, anti-Russian messages and other similar items on information technology and mass communications will be subject to punishment. Companies found guilty of such actions can be fined 1 million to 6 million rubles, while entities can be required to pay 200,000 to 400,000 rubles and officials can be fined 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. Still to be determined by Russian authorities is what will constitute ‘proper’ or ‘correct’ messages.
The right of speech is foremost among human rights. "Controlling the voices of the people is like trying to stem the flow of a river," goes a Chinese proverb. Clamping down on the media and public opinion is a serious infringement of freedom. Article 1 of the Constitution states that Congress shall not enact laws that deprive people of their freedom of speech or of the press. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.
