Stories from RuNet Echo from May, 2016
Russian Newspapers Are Now Warning Readers About Russian TV Networks
A newspaper in Russia's regions targeted by a defamatory investigative report on a pro-Kremlin television network is hitting back with a warning to its readers.
Russian Officials Make Plans for an Autonomous, State-Controlled Internet
Although the bill is in its early stages, should it become law, all of the RuNet's critical infrastructure would fall under complete control of the Russian state.
Russian Media and Internet Users Debate the Ethics of Reporting on Teenage Suicide
Russian censors have blocked dozens of communities on social network VKontakte after an ethically murky media investigation accused these communities of pressuring teenage users to take their own lives.
Crimea's Government Cancels That ‘Putin Is a D*******’ Event
A curious event announcement appeared briefly on the website of the Crimean government on May 25. It concerned Vladimir Putin and the word “dickhead.”
‘Soldiers’ Mothers’ Launch Mobile App to Protect Draftees’ Rights in Russia
Soldiers' Mothers of Saint Petersburg, a non-profit providing legal aid and advice to army draftees in Russia, has launched a mobile app to help draftees protect their rights.
Leading Russian Independent Newspaper Suspends Deputy Editor After Blackmail Scandal
Novaya Gazeta has suspended its deputy chief editor, following revelations that he instructed reporters to blackmail suspects in a recent investigation.
‘Activists’ Attack St. Petersburg Bordellos, Forcing Women to March Nude to Police
Only recently freed from prison, one of Russia's most notorious criminals has attacked two suspected bordellos in St. Petersburg, assaulting and humiliating the women inside.
A Group of Anti-Corruption Activists Was Attacked Today in Russia. Wanna Buy Some Plane Tickets?
News of an attack on activists is the leading news story across much of Russian social media today, and the travel company Aviasales decided to capitalize on the story.
Russians Aren't Happy About Losing Eurovision, But They Weren't Happy Before, Either
Russia's narrow defeat this weekend in the 2016 Eurovision music contest wasn't the only tension in a competition full of lights, pyrotechnics, and nationalism.
Cue the Next Witch-Hunt Against Russia's News Media
If Moscow is saddling up for another offensive against “foreign agents,” Ilya Ukhov couldn’t have timed it better when he claimed Dozhd might secretly receive funding from the US government.
Ukrainian Activists Leak Personal Information of Thousands of War Reporters in the Donbas
The international journalist community reacted with consternation and anger to a leaked database of reporters accredited with the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" published by Ukrainian activists.
Russia's 11-Year-Old Internet King
Last month, a mother living in Moscow felt bad for her 11-year-old son. She felt so bad she turned to Facebook, where she appealed to her friends with a request.
Russian Court Sentences Internet User to Two Years Behind Bars for VKontakte Reposts
A court in Tver region, Russia, has sentenced Internet user Andrey Bubeyev to two years and three months in prison on extremism charges for reposts on social network VKontakte.
Russian Internet Experts Push ‘Real Name’ Policy for Comments on News Websites
A new initiative by Kremlin-friendly Internet experts seeks to make anonymous comments on online media websites a thing of the past.
How to Learn More About the Big Wigs and Public Officials in Russia and Ukraine
There are numerous free and open information portals and databases available for researching individuals in Ukraine and Russia, whether you are investigating a public figure or a private individual.
Is Telegram Really Safe for Activists Under Threat? These Two Russians Aren't So Sure.
Russian opposition activists are investigating the possible role of state law enforcement in the remote hacking of their Telegram messenger accounts.
