Russian authorities have introduced multiple new laws that tighten control over society while invoking the goal of combating phone and Internet fraud. New measures take effect on September 1 and include criminalizing knowingly searching for 'extremist' materials with fines for first-time offenders. The law prohibits sharing phones or SIM cards beyond close relatives, imposing substantial fines and possible prison terms for organizers and participants. Individuals and organizations labeled 'foreign agents' are barred from all educational and outreach activities, prompting bookstores to clear remaining titles and platforms like Boosty to block new posts. Enforcement mechanisms remain vague, raising concerns about arbitrary application.
More than three and a half years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Russian authorities continue to churn out repressive legislation. Many of the bans in their latest batch have been rolled out under the banner of combating phone and Internet fraud - a genuinely serious problem in recent years. But in most cases, that explanation appears to have been primarily a pretext for tightening the screws on society. A slew of new measures takes effect on September 1.
Ban on sharing SIM cards The new version of Russia's federal law "On Communications" explicitly prohibits giving one's phone or SIM card to "other persons," with an exception only for close relatives. Violations can be prosecuted either as misdemeanor or felony offenses, depending on the circumstances. Offenders acting alone will face fines of 30,000 to 50,000 rubles ($370-$620), "organizers" of such offenses could face up to three years in prison, and "participants" could face up to two years.
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