Russia media reports say Russia may tighten access to the Internet for minors.  The recommendations of experts reportedly indicate the importance of tightening access to the Internet for minors and online safety for children.

Izvestiya reports that the State Duma (Russia’s lower chamber of parliament) intends to consider the proposals prepared for them by specialists from the State University of Management.

According to the authors of the initiative, it is necessary to register children and adolescents in social networks with a passport.  If minors have not reached the age of 14, parents or legal representatives will do this for them.  This will show the real name.  Experts also suggested punishing cyberbullying on the Internet.

The study reportedly showed that 72% of children and teenagers in Russia encountered unpleasant content on websites and social networks, and a quarter of them watched scenes of violence and insults.

47% of those surveyed said that they were proposed to try illegal substances, cigarettes or alcoholic beverages, as well as to earn money by spreading information about them.  At the same time, among 26,600 respondents, the majority stated that they were not interested in this.

The State Duma members reportedly intend to discuss tightening the conditions for using the Internet for children and update legislation to protect minors on the Internet.

Ms. Nina Ostanina, Chairperson of the State Duma Committee on Family, Women and Children, has noted that the basic law will be finalized as a matter of priority.

Meanwhile, Ms. Yana Lantrapova, First Deputy Chairperson of the State Duma Committee on Education, has told Izvestiya that she plans to hold hearings and a meeting of the working group on child safety at the beginning of next year to discuss issues related to improvement of the legislation on the Internet safety for children.