Think 100 times before doing Google search in this country, you can be fined Rs 5600 for searching these two words..

Russia recently passed a tough new law that will impose fines for searching certain words or topics online. According to The Washington Post, Russian lawmakers have approved rules that could see people fined about $65 for searching so-called “extremist” content on the internet, even if they don’t share or post it.

What does “extremist” mean in Russia?

It covers a wide range of topics. For example, the LGBT movement is called “extremist,” so is al-Qaeda, and anything that promotes Nazi ideas. The government has a list of more than 5,500 banned topics and groups, and new topics are being added to it rapidly.

Before this law, people in Russia could be punished only if they posted or shared such content. But now, even searching for it privately using a VPN can result in a fine.

What will happen if you access blocked websites?
And it doesn't stop there. The government is also cracking down on those who promote tools like VPNs (which help people access blocked websites). If someone promotes VPN use, the fines can be up to $2,500 for individuals and nearly $13,000 for companies.

Russian officials are calling this a necessary step during wartime, but critics believe it is another major attack on freedom of expression. These changes were quietly added to an unrelated bill that was about cargo companies, making it clear that the government wants to tighten control over internet use.

In short, searching for certain words online in Russia can now get you in serious trouble, even if you are just trying to read and learn.

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