Commission Document

• Print
• Email

NEWS
Federal Communications Commission

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500

445 12th Street, S.W.

Internet: http://www.fcc.gov

Washington, D. C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

July 11, 2012
Neil Grace, 202-418-0506
Email: neil.grace@fcc.gov

STATEMENT FROM FCC CHAIRMAN JULIUS GENACHOWSKI ON THE RUSSIAN

FEDERATION’S LEGISLATION ON BLACKLISTING WEBSITES

"Today, the Russian Federation’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, passed a bill that gives the
state power to create a registry of blacklisted websites. If enacted into law, this will require Internet
service providers and website hosts to block access to the blacklisted sites or risk being added to the
blacklist themselves. This is a troubling and dangerous direction. The world’s experience with the
Internet provides a clear lesson: a free and open Internet promotes economic growth and freedom;
restricting the free flow of information is bad for consumers, businesses, and societies.
"I recently attended the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, where I met with
government officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. I heard broad interest in expanding broadband
access, and broad recognition of the potential of the Internet as a strong engine for innovation, economic
growth and creativity, as well as improved education, health care, and government services. A free and
open Internet is essential to meeting these goals in Russia, as in all countries.
"Growing economies everywhere promote peace and stability. I believe this legislation will stifle
investment in broadband and impede innovations that could advance Russia’s promising Internet
economy. While protecting children on-line is a legitimate governmental concern, the Duma’s bill, in its
current form, could lead to restricting access to valuable Internet content and services and chilling
innovation, economic opportunity, as well as free expression. I urge Russia to recognize the full benefits
of a free and open Internet, including a stronger economy and more prosperous and free society."
-FCC-

---