Russia tightens laws on online extremism and cyberfraud in 2025 crackdown

Russia has introduced stricter rules against online extremism and cyberfraud. The new laws, passed in 2025, include fines for accessing extremist content and measures to combat digital scams. Authorities have already begun enforcing the changes, with the first penalty issued late last year.

The State Duma approved the second anti-fraud legislative package in February 2025. This wide-ranging bill includes nearly 20 measures, such as child SIM cards, clearer labelling for international calls, and cyberfraud reporting through the Gosuslugi portal. Account recovery on Gosuslugi will now require verified methods only.

Another key change came in July 2025, when President Putin signed amendments to the law *On Countering Extremist Activity*. From September 1, 2025, intentionally searching for or accessing known extremist materials online became punishable by fines of 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. The law does allow exemptions for scientific, research, legislative, and law enforcement purposes. Enforcement began swiftly. In December 2025, a medical worker from Kamensk-Uralsky in Sverdlovsk Oblast became the first person fined under the new rules. While the legislation does not name specific institutions responsible for monitoring compliance, general oversight falls to state authorities and special services.

The new laws mark a tougher stance on online extremism and digital fraud in Russia. Fines for accessing extremist content are now in effect, and the first penalties have been issued. The broader anti-fraud package also introduces stricter controls on digital services and reporting mechanisms.