Putin will single-handedly control the entire information space in Russia, – ISW

Putin will single-handedly control the entire information space in Russia, – ISW Yaroslav Pogonchuk

The Russian State Duma approved amendments allowing Putin to control the information space/Collage by Channel 24

The Russian State Duma Committee approved amendments to the law “On Communications”. This allows Vladimir Putin to control the information space and impose restrictions on access to information.

The new rules also give Roskomnadzor the right to remove “prohibited” content. In addition, Russia is introducing a “Migrant Code” that requires the integration of migrants into the country's cultural and behavioral norms.

What new rights can Putin receive

On July 29, the State Duma Committee on Information Policy approved amendments to the Law on Communications that give Putin the right to impose restrictions on access to information.

The innovations allow the dictator to restrict the information space “in order to protect the foundations of the constitutional order, morality, health, rights and legitimate interests of others, ensuring the country's defense and state security.”

Analysts note that if these amendments are put into effect, Putin “will become a direct arbiter of what behavior and ideals are permitted or prohibited in the Russian information space.”

What is known about the “migrant code”

Russia is also beginning to link its efforts to suppress the information space with attempts to control the behavior of migrants.

On July 29, LDPR Chairman Leonid Slutsky proposed introducing a “Migrant Code” that would require migrants to integrate into the country's cultural, linguistic, legal, and behavioral norms.

The bill previously approved by the committee, which requires the deanonymization of social media channels with more than 10,000 subscribers, contains a provision limiting migrants from purchasing more than 10 SIM cards per person.

Why does Putin need such changes

The Institute for the Study of War believes that these changes are aimed at satisfying the ultra-nationalist communities that supported Yevgeny's uprising Prigozhina.

It will also help the Russian Ministry of Defense to force migrants into military service.

However, analysts believe that the fight against Islamic extremism is not the main goal of these innovations.