Russia: Bill amending Code of Administrative Offences establishing liability for communications and information providers (Federal Law No. 281-FZ/Bill No. 46024-6) including content moderation enters into force

On 1 September 2025, the Bill amending the Code of Administrative Offences, establishing liability for communications and information providers (Federal Law No. 281-FZ/Bill No. 46024-6), enters into force. Article 13.52 bans distributing tools, such as VPNs, to access blocked content, punishable by fines from RUB 50'000 to RUB 100'000 or higher for repeat offences. Article 15.53 criminalises searching for or creating extremist content online, punishable by fines of RUB 3'000 to RUB 5'000. Article 14.3 part 18 includes a ban on advertising bypass tools, such as VPNs or proxies, subject to fines of RUB 50'000 to RUB 500'000 for individuals, businesses, and officials.