The State Duma wants to ban citizens from advertising with foreign agents

The State Duma wants to ban citizens from advertising with foreign agents

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Deputies of the Russian State Duma are developing a bill that will prohibit citizens and companies from placing advertisements with so-called foreign agents. This was reported by the head of the lower house of the parliament, Vyacheslav Volodyn. According to him, the fact that foreign agents have opportunities to earn money in Russia causes outrage among Russians.

“Deputies consider it necessary to leave foreign agents of all sources of income in our country. And for those who violate the ban, provide for strict measures of responsibility,” Volodin wrote in a telegram.

According to preliminary data of Roskomnadzor, last year the advertising budgets of foreign agents exceeded 130 million rubles. The agency, without specifying names, reported on the campaigns of 15 foreign agents. Advertisers were mainly companies that provide visa services and additional education. The names of the advertising companies are not disclosed.

At the beginning of January, more than 700 foreign agents – non-profit organizations, mass media and individuals – were included in the Ministry of Justice’s register.

  • Legislation on foreign agents in Russia appeared in 2012. The law allowed the Ministry of Justice to recognize non-profit organizations as foreign agents if they receive funding from abroad and engage in political activity. The criteria by which such activity is determined are not clearly defined in the law, which allows the authorities to prosecute organizations working in the fields of education, culture, health care, ecology, and protection of human rights.
  • Subsequently, it became possible to recognize individuals as mass media agents, including those who do not receive foreign funding, but are under foreign influence. Russian legislation does not specify what exactly should be considered foreign influence.

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