Russia’s Federal Law No. 31-FZ (2019): Deepfake Regulation and Implications

1. Overview

Russia’s Federal Law No. 31-FZ came into effect on March 18, 2019, which updated Chapter 15-3 of the Federal Law “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection.” It also added provisions that restrict the spread of online “unreliable information,” which could encompass deepfakes when employed to spread false narratives.

2. Scope of the Law

The legislation aims at the spreading of deliberately false information that poses a threat to infrastructure, public health, or safety. It does not mention deepfakes directly, but does touch upon media manipulation to manipulate facts. The creation as well as dissemination of such content, including over internet sites, is governed by the law. If such content is clearly labeled as satire or parody, an exception might be present.

3. Major Clauses 

• Article 15.3: Bars Proclaiming information that is knowingly false and poses a threat to public safety, public health, or the operation of critical infrastructure. 
• Obligations for Online Media: Online media sources are obligated to delete content identified as unreliable upon notification by Roskomnadzor.

4. Fines and Enforcement 

 In Russia, Roskomnadzor has the authority to prohibit access to websites that disseminate such information. Offenders may be penalised up to 400,000 rubles ($6,000). Legal companies may be fined up to 1.5 million rubles ($23,000).

5. Notable Cases or Precedents

The first notable case under this legislation was the publication “Moment Istiny,” which was penalized for spreading information that was considered unreliable. This case established a precedent for applying the law to publications.

6. Comparison to Global Standards

Russia’s strategy is broader, addressing the dissemination of false information through all media, compared to some legal systems, which have specifically legislated against deepfakes. While this makes enforcement more adaptable, it could potentially lead to freedom of speech and censorship issues.

7. Practical Implications

Content Producers and Media Outlets have to be cautious in observing how information can be fruitfully portrayed. Legal action may be taken against deepfake makers in particular if the content is found to be illegal under this statute. Websites must implement strong content control procedures to actively identify and handle any possible infractions.

8. Future Outlook

More specific legislation that takes the specific challenges of deepfake technology into consideration could be called for as it evolves. Russia’s current legal framework may be adapted for new technologies and potential misuses. Additional changes could be introduced to cover the specific challenges deepfakes present, based on current debate and the development in the legal profession.