7 Jan 2012

New internet laws in Belarus

7:45 am on 7 January 2012

New internet laws are now in force in Belarus, which restrict access to foreign websites and force internet clubs and cafes to report users visiting sites registered abroad.

The law took effect on Friday. Anyone selling goods or services to Belarus citizens on the web must use the .by Belarusian domain name.

The BBC reports that would make it illegal for firms like Amazon or eBay to sell goods to customers in Belarus.

Penalties for breaches range as high as 1 million Belarus rubles ($US120).