Russia has recently blocked 56,000 websites for "extremist" content and passed a law criminalizing searches for it, sparking criticism and protests.

Media regulator Roskomnadzor has restricted access to 56,000 websites that have not removed content deemed extremist. A new law passed by the State Duma criminalizes searches for such content, with fines for those who do. Critics point to the measures as a severe tightening of internet controls, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. The protests took place before the law was passed, and the speaker of parliament has suggested that corrections may be needed to protect innocent users.