Communications and Press Minister Igor Shchyogolev said in an op-ed published Friday that the proposed U.S. Internet legislation known as SOPA could become a censorship tool and is therefore in opposition to democratic principles.
"It is impossible to block and censor the Internet—otherwise it simply loses its point," Shchyogolev said, writing in business daily Vedomosti.
The opinion that Russia seeks strict control over the Internet is inaccurate, the communications minister said.
He added that the government is not considering the step of closing access to Twitter and Facebook in case of public demonstrations. Last month's demonstrations protesting the recent State Duma elections were organized in part with the use of Facebook.
Last month popular social network Vkontakte received a request from the Federal Security Service to shut down groups that call for street fights or revolution. The site said it can block individual users only if they call for violence.
Russia last month effectively blocked a U.S.-supported project to adopt a declaration of Internet freedoms at a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe last month.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.