Putin Signs "Blogger Law", Restricting Freedom of Speech to Internet Users

Putin has quietly signed a law that puts restrictions on bloggers. If a blog has 3,000 hits daily, then it will be required to register with the government in order not to stay anonymous. They will also be put under the same “accuracy” laws as news outlets. The article talked a lot about different countries and their own internet restrictions and laws, like China’s ban on major western social media sites and reports of Venezuela blocking online images for its users.

These types of censorships seem to come with their benefits and hindrances. For example, the idea of putting accuracy laws on bloggers that could influence many people seems, at first, like a good idea. It could help keep people who are blantly trying to stir up conspiracies. On the other hand, the idea of “accuracy” will be controlled and defined by a government—a government that would want to keep secrets and Intel hidden.

I’m curious to know if states have interfered with internet freedoms. If America’s foreign policy focuses on “spreading democracy” and protecting its interests, has it gotten involved by trying to protect freedom of speech through the ways of the internet. I know they’ve been working to develop social media sites in countries to promote communication between citizens, but can the help enhance voices that want to speak out?

Posted by Evy Lopez

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/07/world/europe/russia-quietly-tightens-reins-on-web-with-bloggers-law.html?_r=0