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Op-Ed: Russia’s new ‘fake news’ bills demonstrate censorship, oppression

(Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

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The idea behind wanting to ban fake news seems simple enough: you find the “news” content that isn’t representing the truth objectively and legitimately, then prevent those sites from disseminating their material. However, in practice, laws are written and enforced by a nation’s government—making a legal ban on “fake news” into something else: a powerful censorship tool.

On Monday, March 18th, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed two new national censorship bills that, it’s safe to say, numerous Americans would probably support in the good ol’ U.S. of A. The first bars the creation and distribution of “fake news” and allows the government to levy fines against news outlets found guilty of repeat offenses. The second bill establishes legal justification for the arrest and punishment of individuals who share online content that “exhibits blatant disrespect for the society, government, official government symbols, constitution or governmental bodies of Russia.”

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Comments

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  • Mason

    Hits home Alex, closer than most for myself, we have assets in Russia. Interesting to say the least.

  • Daniel

    Seems like a fair definition.

  • Stephanie M

    Thanks, Alex. It does need to be hammered home to the masses of what the consequences of government run censorship looks like. We cannot afford the undermining of the First Amendment to happen.

  • Jennifer L

    Well done, Alex. It would be good to elaborate on what actually constitutes "fake news." Much like "alternative facts", I have yet to come across a credible definition of either term. What, exactly, IS "fake news"? Is it disinformation passed on by a seemingly credible source, to an audience expected to not know the difference?