Maxim Ali has provided his comments on potential changes to information legislation

A bill has been introduced in the Russian Parliament which would amend the law on information and enforcement proceedings.  The bill provides for powers to be given to court bailiffs to restrict internet access to certain information which may be considered damaging to the reputation of individuals or companies.

Head of the IP/IT Practice at Maxima Legal, Maxim Ali commented that the potential changes for Advokatskaya Gazeta.  According to Maxim, the proposed changes are excessive.  Firstly, the law on information already contains remedies to block data that is recognised by a court to be a damaging to business reputation.  Secondly, the proposed changes complicate the required actions and don`t make the procedure to limit access faster.  And thirdly, the bill does not exclude the possibility of a site being blocked by a court decision on the basis of interim measures.

“I see only one significant argument for the legislative changes in this matter.  The law on information classifies what information is to be banned and when such information can result in administrative or criminal liability.  Inaccurate information, the lawfulness of which is considered as part of a case for damaging business reputation, does not always fall into this category (if, for example, the sharing of such information does not constitute defamation/slander).  However, this issue could be resolved through amendment to Part 4 of Article 10 of the law on information”, concluded Maxim Ali.

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