Internet companies found guilty of breaking Russian law could soon see the speeds at which their websites load slashed by the Russian government.
The law would target companies which are able to bypass judgments from Russian courts because they are formally registered abroad, the Vedomosti newspaper reported Monday.
The proposals were initially drafted in a bid to curb foreign Internet companies such as Google, but would also apply to Russian companies, unnamed sources told the newspaper.
Instead of drafting fresh legislation, the plans could be brought in by making amendments to Russia's strict new anti-terror laws.
In 2015, Russia's Federal Anti-Monopoly Service found Google guilty of abusing its market position in a case initiated by its Russian rival Yandex.
The agency ruled Google had violated the law by pre-installing certain applications on its mobile devices, fining the firm 438 million rubles ($7.4 million.)
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.
