Slashdot Mirror
Russia's Internet Blacklist Law Takes Effect
another random user writes with this report from the BBC "A law that aims to protect children from harmful internet content by allowing the government to take sites offline has taken effect in Russia. The authorities are now able to blacklist and force offline certain websites without a trial. The law was approved by both houses of parliament and signed by President Vladimir Putin in July. If the websites themselves cannot be shut down, internet service providers (ISPs) and web hosting companies can be forced to block access to the offending material."
Well, TFA says that a poll taken in July when the law was passed, shows that the Russian people support the blacklist 62% to 16%. The Russian government seems to have the support of the people on this issue.
That's always been a danger of democracy: it's very easy for the population to vote away their freedom, but once gone, it's not so easy to get it back.
Because its a country that has taken the steps to categorize and censor the internet to a set standard, at face value the intent is pure. But what does that mean? It means they have the power and most notably the interest to "blacklist and force offline certain websites without a trial.". So yea I'd say that's news, even if it isn't "U.S. news".
Good leaders run toward problems, bad leaders hide from them.
The US *does* shut down porn sites. Technically, all internet pornography is illegal in the US. It's just a law that no-one bothers to enforce any more. Occasionally a DA or AG will try to prove his family credentials by taking on a porn site, but it's just embarassing even when they win.
Wow, your history knowledge is unbelievably messed up.
Moldova is indeed a former Soviet Union Republic. Others are not.
Also, minimum legal age to drink alcoholic beverages is usually 18. That applies to both purchase AND drinking itself. But, to be honest, even if laws do exist, they need to also be enforced, which doesn't really happen.
...gis sdrawkcab (usually not responding to ACs; don't bother posting as AC)