Russia: Signed Law No. 276-FZ

On 29 July, 2017, the Russian President signed Law No. 276-FZ, amending the "Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection" law (No. 149-FZ). The amendments prohibit internet service providers, telecommunication network providers and a range of other online service providers from allowing access to illegal content including websites blocked by media regulator Roskomnadzor, who will provide a database of prohibited online content. Internet service providers are required to identify hosting providers who provide access to prohibited content and report them within three days to Roskomnadzor as well as block their internet service within 24 hours in case of non-compliance. Search engine operators must block links prohibited online content. Fines are imposed on providers rather than users. The Law will go into effect on November 1, 2017.