they monitored and shut down the RBN (Russian Business Network). That alone would stop the tons of spam spewed from that network alone. It would also cut off the water to all the botnets they own and effectively put them out of business.

Mike, why don’t you comment the fact that a second annual round table discussion opened in Russia on the Intellectual Property in Russia? That should be more up your alley than yet another “OMG, they are censoring!” story.

The US built the internet. And for decades only the government and universities, used the internet. So let the other countries shut down the internet in their countries. Who cares. The internet belongs to the US. And only the US!

WIKI “Extremism is a term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or groups outside the perceived political center of a society; or otherwise claimed to violate common moral standards.”

The point about “extremism” is that the definition in its application in law, can easily be seen by the courts as a matter for the courts. Something can be extreme and harmless or extreme and harmful. The mere use of the word “extremism” is actually laying the framework for clamping down on free speech. i.e. censorship. The term is really inappropriate for the sort of application they seek. Interpretation of the word “extremism” can be so unclear and subjective, that its application in the courts can be used in a draconian way if they so choose with little accountability. Its such a cumbersome term because you basically have to be able to form a judgment of what’s normal and what’s not normal and what’s far from normal for it to be considered to be extreme. I think the term clouds the interpretation of law and fails to provide adequate accountability in its application.

I think the term “extremism” should not be used as its just confusing to society and it plays into he hands of those that have the power to administer the law, rather than those that wish to abide by the law. I think whatever the crime, it must be specifically identified and clear cut. For example you cannot incite by way of verbal or written threat, what might be deemed a criminal act.

As indicated, one can have extreme views on all sorts of issues and be perfectly law abiding in application of those views or alternatively they can allow their views to commit a criminal offence. Conversely, you can be very normal but also commit a criminal act. i.e in the context that many acts of crime are not unusual and in fact are normal and not extreme, even though they may be illegal. In civil law the mere act of driving through a red light is not unusual and thus not extreme, but it is a breach of the civil laws of the land. In some cities stabbings and muggings are not unusual and thus not extreme, yet indeed they are criminal. Not sure how the Russian law works though as in Western law based on the British common law system, in cases of subjectivity, its usually what’s considered reasonable by the average person.

Thus I think the term “extremism” is inappropriate in its application with regard to administration of law and just provides the grounds and environment that allow the law to be used for unlawful and uncivil purposes by those that govern the application of law, rather than work in the peoples best interests.

Its not totally wrong thing. Internet and its user became dangerous for social order.In recent times some websites and blogs are promoting Extremism. Russia also on the gun point .

I live in Russia, but this is the biggest nonsense I have heard for a long time.