Russian President Vladimir Putin has just signed a law that would require bloggers with over 3,000 followers to register with the Roskomnadzor, Russia's media office. The law would cover traditional blogs as well as "microblogs," including Twitter and Facebook statuses.
Under the new "blogger's law," writers would be forced to fact-check information they post and forbidden from damaging the reputation of a person or group. In addition to registering with the media office, popular bloggers would be forced to publish their surname, initials and email address.
This legislation will bring Russia backwards, not forwards. Publishing personal information on blogs will obviously leave writers vulnerable to intimidation, harrassment and violence if their writing deviates from the "correct" view. The Russian people should have an outlet to voice their opinions anonymously, without fear of ruining their lives. Please sign the petition to urge President Putin to reconsider his stance on this issue!
We, the undersigned, are concerned with your decision to sign a law that would require bloggers with over 3,000 followers to register with the Roskomnadzor.
We believe that this legislation will bring Russia backwards, not forwards. Publishing personal information on blogs will obviously leave writers vulnerable to intimidation, harrassment and violence if their writing deviates from the "correct" view. The Russian people should have an outlet to voice their opinions anonymously, without fear of ruining their lives.
We respectfully urge you to reconsider your stance on this issue and instead support the freedom of anonymous speech. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
