NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
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).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
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-