April 06, 2025

Log Your Blog, or Else


Log Your Blog, or Else
So, whatcha writing there? The Russian Life files

On April 4, the Deputy Head of Russia's State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Anton Gorelkin, announced on Telegram that a law outlining consequences for well-known social media users who don't register with the government is in the works.

In November 2024, a law was passed requiring anyone with a blog or social media presence of greater than 10,000 followers to register with Roskomnadzor, the agency that oversees internet use in Russia. Since then, 214,000 netizens have applied for registration, with 134,000 approved. 

The new law would impose a penalty on those who fail to register. What the punishment would be remains to be seen.

In addition, Gorelkin floated the idea of lowering the threshold below 10,000 followers. The law would impact not only users of large, international apps like TikTok, YouTube, X, Pinterest, and Facebook, but also Russian sites like Odnoklassniki, Telegram, and RuTube.

The move comes as the Russian state has cracked down on internet use as part of a wave of restrictions following the start of the war in Ukraine. This has included both blocking sites for Russian users (often sidestepped with a decent VPN) and strangling internet communities it deems harmful. The drive to force influencers to register is one way to further exert control and surveillance.

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This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

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A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

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This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Fearful Majesty
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This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

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