The law would allow prosecutors to decide what amounts to 'fake news' and gives a media watchdog the power to demand an outlet delete the information.
Russian officials will be able to fine or block online media outlets for publishing news they deem"fake", under a law approved by lawmakers Wednesday.Russia's lower house of parliament, which is overwhelmingly dominated by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party, voted in favour of the bill in the key second of three readings.
Fake news disseminated via the internet can"lead to mass unrest" and undermine state security, the bill's authors say. Several versions of the story appeared, with officials saying it was a gas explosion but some independent media suggesting it was a terror attack. Critics say the bill is vaguely worded and would have large scope for abuse, further complicating the difficult and sometimes deadly work of opposition journalists in Russia.
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