Russia's FSB wants to control the internet

Russia's Federal Security Bureau (FSB) are keen to be the latest spook pack who think they can control the Internet to ban ideas they don't like. The outcome is guaranteed - a proliferation of Russian proxy providers, thus ensuring zero reduction in illegal porn, minimal impact on organised crime online, and a big hole in the taxpayers wallet. Have they never heard of China?? Chinese web surfers are no more restricted than anyone else despite their government's efforts.

MOSCOW, April 28 (RIA Novosti) - Russian security authorities should be given broader powers to control telecommunications and the Internet, argues Dmitri Frolov, of the Federal Security Service's Information Security Center.

Frolov spoke Thursday in the Federation Council, or Russia's upper house of parliament, at a panel discussion devoted to telecommunications and Internet regulations.

The Federal Security Service proposes setting new rules for Internet providers so that it could prevent the spread of extremist ideas, track down illegal online operations, and get access to databases with mobile telephone subscribers' details, such as e-mail addresses, Frolov said. There should be compulsory registration of mobile phone users with Internet connectivity.

The lack of clear-cut regulations on Internet operations may bring some sensitive information or misinformation into the public domain, as well as lead to copyright violations, argued Frolov. He believes that Russia needs enabling legislation to put this sector in order.

The Ministry of Information Technologies and Communications is opposed to the idea of adopting a separate law on Internet operations. Speaking at today's panel discussion in the Federation Council, Deputy Minister Boris Antonyuk said the use of the Internet could be regulated by more general laws already in effect, including those dealing with advertising, the protection of consumer rights, and administrative offenses.