The Russian State Duma has passed legislative amendments introducing fines for individuals who search for content deemed "extremist" online, including via virtual private networks (VPNs). The new provisions, set to take effect on September 1, 2025, impose administrative penalties ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles for willful searches of such materials. Additionally, fines can reach up to 500,000 rubles in related cases. The amendments expand existing restrictions, which previously criminalized sharing extremist content, to now include the act of searching and accessing it. Russian authorities have emphasized that the fines also target providers advertising VPN services, although users will be directly affected. Legal experts and observers warn that this marks a further tightening of internet censorship in Russia, drawing parallels to information control practices in Belarus. The legislation passed with 285 deputies voting in favor, 19 against, and 20 abstentions. Kremlin representatives have defended the measures as part of broader state security and information control policies during wartime.