Federal Security Bureau asks for more authority to control Internet

Fri Apr 29 10:43:09 UTC 2005

> http://en.rian.ru/russia/20050428/39757635.html
> 
> The Federal Security Service proposes setting new rules for Internet
> providers so that it could prevent the spread of extremist ideas, track
> down illegal online operations, and get access to databases with mobile
> telephone subscribers' details, such as e-mail addresses, Frolov said.
> There should be compulsory registration of mobile phone users with
> Internet connectivity.

This makes Russia sound like some insane place where Big Brother
spies on the communications of all citizens, like in the United States.

However, the last paragraph in the article makes Russia sound
like a more sane place where people realize that the Internet
doesn't need lots of special laws, rather like Canada.

   The Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications is 
   opposed to the idea of adopting a separate law on Internet operations. 
   Speaking at today's panel discussion in the Federation Council, Deputy 
   Minister Boris Antonyuk said the use of the Internet could be regulated 

   by more general laws already in effect, including those dealing with 
   advertising, the protection of consumer rights, and administrative 
offenses.

--Michael Dillon