© Fabrizio Bensch / Reuters
Volodin was giving a press conference in the central Russian city of Tambov, where a local reporter asked him to comment on the possibility of introducing a rule that would require social networks to obtain ID from their users "so that people could know who is on the other side of the internet." The official replied that unlike many countries, Russia has chosen self-regulation on the internet and he saw no need to change this.
"Now we are capable of solving various issues through self-regulation and a ban on distribution of information about illegal drugs, suicide and extremism. Society has a need for this."
He also noted that Russia had more internet freedom than other nations, in particular the United States.
"Take a look at the legal practice. Have you ever heard about court processes initiated by [Russian] civil servants and senior officials against ordinary internet users over even the most harsh statements made on the internet?" Volodin asked journalists.
Comment: The necessary rapprochement between Russia and Japan