Bill an online ‘iron curtain’

MOSCOW: Russian lawmakers backed tighter internet controls yesterday to defend against foreign meddling, in draft legislation that critics warn could disrupt Russia’s internet and be used to stifle dissent.

The legislation, which some Russian media have likened to an online ‘‘iron curtain’’, passed its first of three readings in the 450seat lower chamber of parliament.

The Bill seeks to route Russian web traffic and data through points controlled by state authorities and proposes building a national Domain Name System to allow the internet to continue functioning even if the country is cut off from foreign infrastructure.

The legislation was drafted in response to what its authors describe as an aggressive new US national cybersecurity strategy passed last year.

The Agora human rights group said earlier this month the legislation was one of several new Bills drafted in December that ‘‘seriously threaten internet freedom’’.

The Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs has said the Bill poses more of a risk to the functioning of the Russian internet than the alleged threats from foreign countries it seeks to counter.

The Bill also proposes installing network equipment to identify the source of web traffic and block banned content.

The legislation, which is expected to pass, is part of a drive by officials to increase Russian ‘‘sovereignty’’ over its internet. — Reuters