Russia, Accused of Faking News, Unfurls Its Own 'Fake News' Bill

[JonLP24]

Source: NY Times

By Lincoln Pigman
July 22, 2018

MOSCOW — Russia, which American intelligence agencies said spread its fair share of misinformation during the 2016 United States election, says it will crack down on “fake news” at home, with a proposed law that critics say could limit freedom of speech on the internet.

The bill, submitted by lawmakers from the governing party, United Russia, proposes holding social networks accountable for “inaccurate” comments users post. Under existing Russian law, social media users can be punished for content deemed to promote homosexuality, threaten public order or be “extremist” in nature, with fines as well as prison time.

Under the proposed rule, part of a creeping crackdown on digital rights under President Vladimir V. Putin, websites with more than 100,000 daily visitors and a commenting feature must take down factually inaccurate posts or face a fine of up to 50 million rubles, about $800,000.

The bill gives social media companies 24 hours to delete “inaccurate” information after being notified of its existence, raising concerns that moderators will be left to interpret the term, which is vaguely defined in the measure.

Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/22/world/europe/russia-fake-news-law.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=2&pgtype=sectionfront

[dalton99a]

1. Expect the traitor to float this idea to Congress

[sandensea]

2. +1

"Anything published in any media outlet, be it print, online, radio or television, may not contain any information, imagery, or commentary derogatory, or which could be interpreted as derogatory, toward the sitting President of the United States.* "

*Provided said president is a Republican.

[Fred Sanders]

4. Doubt it. Fox News would self implode.

[LiberalLovinLug]

3. And in the US, Facebook gladly hosts InfoWars

And no argument from Republican lawmakers.

[Firestorm49]

5. Read The Writing On The Wall

I have no doubt that the Vlad will “suggest” to the websites with no uncertainty, (fear of being found dead on a bridge), what they can publish, when they can publish, how they can publish and at what time, and, if they will be allowed to use exclamation points.