Thread by @natashasrussia

Happy 1st of September 🎉
In Russia, it’s not just the first day of school today a whole package of new laws kicks in. Let’s see what’s changing 👇

1/6 🌐Advertising or promoting VPNs is banned. Fine: up to 500,000 rubles

Advertising on blocked social media or platforms is banned too. Fine: up to 500,000 rubles

Searching for “extremist” materials online is prohibited. Fine: up to 5,000 rubles

2/6 📚“Foreign agents” are now fully banned from educational activity

College and technical school graduates can no longer enter universities without the Unified State Exam (EGE) if their major doesn’t match.

English hours cut: grades 5–7 will study it just 2 hours per week

3/6 📲Every new smartphone must come pre-installed with RuStore and the messenger MAX

Passing SIM cards or accounts to someone else is forbidden. Fine: up to 200,000 rubles

When buying a SIM, you’ll be filmed, recordings stored for a month. If your mobile account is blocked, you’ll also lose mobile service

4/6 💸Banks can block cash withdrawals if they suspect fraud

They can now freeze your account without a court decision.

5/6 🚗New car duties: up 300%
People with mental disorders or serious eye diseases won’t be allowed to drive

6/6 Films with “non-traditional values” won’t get distribution licenses; online platforms must block them

Exotic pets at home are banned

Buying lighters or gas canisters now requires a passport.