1 Nov 2012

Internet blacklist law takes effect in Russia

11:01 pm on 1 November 2012

A law that aims to protect children from harmful internet content by allowing the government to take sites offline has taken effect in Russia.

Authorities are now able to blacklist and force offline certain websites without a trial.

The law was approved by both houses of parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin in July this year, the BBC reports.

Human rights groups have said the legislation might increase censorship in the country.

The law is the amendment to the current Act for Information.

Authorities say the goal is to protect minors from websites featuring sexual abuse of children, offering details about how to commit suicide, encouraging users to take drugs and sites that solicit children for pornography.

If the websites themselves cannot be shut down, internet service providers and web hosting companies can be forced to block access to the offending material.

Critics have described it another attempt by Mr Putin to exercise control over the population.