The Commission for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatyana Moskalkova, has recommended the implementation of legislation to regulate the process of verifying the age of Internet users in order to protect minors from harmful content. In the 2024 report, Moskalkova highlighted the current issue where users can easily access 18+ content by simply declaring their age without any actual verification.
The report also addresses the escalating problems of bullying and stalking, which have become prevalent among various social groups including schoolchildren and students. Moskalkova emphasizes that such actions can have severe consequences, particularly for minors and individuals whose professions involve extensive communication. Incidences of harassment against schoolchildren, teachers, students, and other professionals have been documented.
In response to these challenges, the report suggests the implementation of administrative and organizational measures to safeguard bullying and stalking victims. Moskalkova proposes that blocking actions on social networks by Roskomnadzor, the Russian telecommunications regulator, and issuing warnings from law enforcement agencies regarding the unlawful behavior can offer protection. Additionally, the report recommends the establishment of administrative penalties for bullying and stalking on social media platforms, with reference to existing laws on hooliganism outlined in the Russian Federation’s Code of Administrative Offenses.
Moskalkova has also put forth the idea of revisiting discussions on introducing a new administrative penalty that restricts individuals’ access to the Internet or social networks as a means of addressing the issue at hand.