The Kremlin passes new Internet restrictions

LAST week, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed new laws that tighten the state’s control over the Internet, social media, bloggers and the transmission of electronic data across Russian borders.

This new crackdown has multiple purposes. The government wants to control the messages inside Russia to limit dissidence. Though the Kremlin is riding a powerful wave of popularity after the annexation of Crimea, there is still a legitimate concern about future stability in the country, especially social and political stability. Moreover, the Kremlin wants to manage foreign access to information coming into and out of Russia.