logo
Rs 5,600 Fine For Googling These 2 Words!

Rs 5,600 Fine For Googling These 2 Words!

News1821-07-2025
1/5
Nearly everyone who uses the internet is familiar with Google Search. Whether we're looking up health information or finding an address, Google is often our first port of call. However, there are certain things one should avoid searching online, as doing so may now carry legal consequences, particularly in Russia.
According to The Washington Post, Russian lawmakers have introduced new legislation that imposes fines of up to $65 (USD) for searching so-called 'extremist' content online. In Russia, this term is applied broadly.
For example, the LGBT movement has been officially labelled as a 'terrorist' organisation, alongside any material linked to al-Qaeda or Nazi ideology. The government currently maintains a list of over 5,500 prohibited topics and organisations, and this list is expanding rapidly.
Previously, individuals in Russia could be penalised for sharing or distributing such content. Under the new law, however, even conducting private online searches, such as through a VPN, can result in fines. Additionally, those who promote or advertise VPNs may face penalties of up to $2,500 for individuals and $13,000 for companies.
Russian authorities claim these restrictions are necessary during times of conflict, but critics argue the move represents a serious erosion of freedom of expression. It is widely viewed as yet another attempt by the Russian government to tighten its grip on internet access and online behaviour.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump's tariff may seem severe, but India not worse-off than nations that signed trade deal: GTRI
Trump's tariff may seem severe, but India not worse-off than nations that signed trade deal: GTRI

Economic Times

time16 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

Trump's tariff may seem severe, but India not worse-off than nations that signed trade deal: GTRI

Despite US President Trump's proposed tariffs on Indian goods, GTRI suggests India isn't worse off than nations that made trade deals with Washington. These countries conceded significantly, while India refused to compromise on key areas like agriculture. India's tariffs are WTO-compliant, and its relationship with Russia has aided in managing inflation. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose a 25 per cent tariff and penalty on Indian goods may seem severe but the country is not in a worse position than nations that signed trade deals with Washington, think tank GTRI said on Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said the UK, the EU, Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam now face elevated tariffs, and in return, have given sweeping concessions --zero tariffs on US farm goods, massive investment pledges, and purchases of American oil, gas, and has made no such concessions, it added."While Trump's announcement of a 25 per cent tariff plus penalty on Indian goods appears harsh, a closer look shows that India is not significantly worse off than countries that did sign deals with the US," GTRI Founder Ajay Srivastava added that India did not walk away from the deal and it negotiated in good faith but refused to cross its red lines particularly on agriculture, where over 700 million livelihoods are at justification for India's tariffs, trade barriers, and ties with Russia does not stand up to scrutiny, he said, adding that India's tariffs are WTO-compliant, non-tariff barriers are common globally, and discounted Russian oil has helped India manage inflation during global volatility."India is not alone; over 90 countries face similar US pressure. A deal may still emerge, but only on fair terms. For now, India's principled stand has avoided the trap of a one-sided deal -- and that's a success," he added.

Italy summons Russian envoy after President put on ‘Russophobe' list
Italy summons Russian envoy after President put on ‘Russophobe' list

The Hindu

time18 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Italy summons Russian envoy after President put on ‘Russophobe' list

The Italian Government said on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) that it would summon the Russian ambassador to protest against President Sergio Mattarella being included in a list compiled by Moscow of Western leaders accused of anti-Russian sentiment. 'Publishing a list of so-called 'Russophobes' who supposedly incite hatred against Russia is yet another propaganda operation,' said Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement. On July 24, the Russian Foreign Ministry published a list of what it called 'hate speech' against Russia by members of Western elites, in which it included a statement from Mr. Mattarella at Aix-Marseille University last February. In his speech, the Italian President drew a parallel between Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the expansionist wars of Nazi Germany. The Russian Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Italy has traditionally had close political and economic ties with Russia. However, after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the relationship deteriorated, and Rome has firmly stood by Kyiv. According to Ms. Meloni, Moscow broke international law by invading Ukraine and Western countries have condemned Russia. Mr. Mattarella is the only Italian on the list, which also includes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, the Secretary-General of NATO Mark Rutte, and the President of France Emmanuel Macron.

From 'savvy' Putin to secondary sanctions: How Trump's relations with Russia have changed
From 'savvy' Putin to secondary sanctions: How Trump's relations with Russia have changed

Economic Times

time18 minutes ago

  • Economic Times

From 'savvy' Putin to secondary sanctions: How Trump's relations with Russia have changed

From calling Vladimir V. Putin 'savvy' and 'genius' to issuing secondary charges against India for having relations with Russia, United States President Donald Trump's relationship with the Russian President has taken a big became one of the first nations to experience secondary sanctions from Trump on Wednesday. The US President announced that India would be facing a 25% tariff on its imports to the United States, with an additional penalty for buying energy and arms from Russia. The exact quantum of the penalty is unclear. Changing relationsTrump had once described President Vladimir V. Putin as 'savvy' and 'genius' for invading Ukraine, while bragging about his 'very, very good relationship' with the autocratic Russian leader. Trump appeared ready to distance himself from negotiations altogether and said it would be up to Russia and Ukraine to stop the fighting despite being enthusiastic about cracking a deal in early months of his second-term as a president. With rising frustrations, Trump's latest threat— and shortened timeline for Putin to comply — highlights his growing frustration with the Russian leader. 'I'm not so interested in talking any more,' Trump said on Monday. 'He talks. We have such nice conversations, such respectful and nice conversations, and then people die the following night — with a missile going into a town.' Trump returned to office vowing to quickly end Russia's war in Ukraine, citing his relationship with Putin. Those efforts have failed to materialize, with Moscow only responding with maximalist demands for Ukrainian territory and declining calls for face-to-face talks between Putin and his counterpart, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump initially focused his ire on Zelensky as an obstacle to peace, but in recent weeks has signaled growing impatience with Putin, accusing him of not being sincere about wanting to end the war despite multiple calls and months of phone calls between Trump and Putin, however, have failed to bring progress and Russia has ramped up its missile and drone attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks, hammering civilians in cities — an indication that Moscow has no intention of ending its invasion.'I haven't had any response. It's a shame,' Trump said about the reaction from Moscow to his new deadline. Secondary sanctions on India, others Trump's threat on countries with 'secondary sanctions' for buying oil from Russia is already becoming a reality with India being slapped with a penalty by the US. The Washington and other capitals allied with Ukraine view such oil purchases as a form of tacit support for Russia, helping to bolster its economy and undercut sanctions. Trump said on Tuesday that he would start imposing measures on Russia, such as secondary tariffs of 100% on trading partners, if it did not make progress on ending the war within 10 to 12 days — moving up from an earlier 50-day deadline. The United States also warned China, the largest buyer of Russian oil, that it could face huge tariffs if it kept buying, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told a news conference in US president on July 14 initially announced a 50-day deadline on Russia — which would have fallen on Sept. 2. The new deadline would fall on Aug. 8. 'We're going to put on tariffs and stuff, and I don't know if it's going to affect Russia, because he wants to, obviously, probably keep the war going,' Trump said on extended gains above $69 after Trump reiterated his threat for additional tariffs on Russia. West Texas Intermediate oil posted its biggest jump since June, when Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran. Bullish options on the Brent crude benchmark commanded a premium to bearish options for the first time in two earlier this month said he would impose 100% tariffs on Russia if it did not comply with his calls for a truce. His advisers have cast the penalties as likely taking the form of secondary levies that would hit countries that buy Russian exports such as oil. Washington and other capitals allied with Kyiv view such oil purchases as a form of tacit support for Russia, helping to bolster its economy and undercut Kremlin on Tuesday said it 'took note' of Trump's threat to curtail the deadline but made clear that it was unlikely Putin would change course. Trump has voiced mounting frustration with Putin for refusing to agree to a halt to fighting that could allow for peace talks. The US president returned to office with a pledge to quickly end the war that is now in its fourth year.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store