Russian lawmakers approve plan to take more control over internet traffic
Russian lawmakers are moving ahead with a proposal to take further control over internet traffic in the country, The Associated Press reports.
Under the proposal, Russian internet traffic would be required to be sent through servers in the country, according to the AP, giving the country more leverage to surveil and censor information. The bill was approved by the State Duma, and it will now head to the upper legislative chamber before going to President Putin’s desk for a signature.
Russia has said the law is needed to protect its national security interests, but critics have pointed to the country’s dismal record on censorship as a reason for skepticism. Last month, the country passed a law banning the distribution of “fake news”...