Putin signs controversial internet law

A Russian 'sovereign internet' law published on Wednesday will come into effect in November.

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin Source: EPA/SERGEI ILNITSKY

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday signed into law a "sovereign internet" bill which will allow Russian authorities to isolate the country's internet, a move decried by rights groups. 

Russian lawmakers insist the new law is necessary to ensure the security of Russia's online networks but critics say the vaguely worded bill gives new censorship powers to government monitors.

The text of the law was published on Wednesday but it will not come into effect until November.

More in English via SBS News.


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Source: AFP

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