Russian government’s new “sovereign internet” law that gives the government lot better control over what happens online in the country will be in effect now.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led-Indian Government might introduce a similar law in the country that will provide more power to the government to keep control of the internet in the country.
The Law:
The new law was signed by President Vladimir Putin in May this year which provides Russian telecommunications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, additional power to block access to content that the government sees as a security threat. The main objective of this law is to make the Russia’s internet independent and easier to protect against attacks from foreign countries.
According to the new law, Russian internet service providers must have so-called deep packet inspection network equipment installed which can identify the source of traffic and filter content. It also requires the creation of a domestic version of the internet’s address book: the domain name system (DNS) which will make it easier for authorities to redirect traffic without the Russian users getting noticed, effectively creating an alternate reality within Russia’s borders.
Response:
Since the introduction of the law, thousands of Russian citizens protested against the law earlier this year, Civil rights group have also raised concern over this law, and the Human Rights Watch said the unclear definition of “security threats” gives the government much more power over what it reroutes or blocks.
“Now the government can directly censor content or even turn Russia’s internet into a closed system without telling the public what they are doing or why, this jeopardizes the right of people in Russia to free speech and freedom of information online.”
Rachel Denber, HRW’s deputy Europe and Central Asia director, said in a post on its website.
