The State Duma proposed to oblige state bodies to create pages on social networks. The draft law "On Amendments to Article 2 of the Federal Law "On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection" and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation" was posted in the parliament on Wednesday.

The explanatory note to the draft states that it is necessary to oblige authorities and organizations subordinate to state bodies and local governments to create and maintain accounts on social networks. In addition, the document proposes to legislate the concept of "official page".

The authors of the project point out that the amendments are designed to increase the openness of the functioning of state bodies, local governments and organizations subordinate to them, as well as to give citizens the opportunity to receive complete and reliable information about their work. The explanatory note notes that it is not enough to have websites of organizations and bodies in modern realities, since social networks have become the most popular way of communication among citizens.

On these official pages, if the bill is passed, government agencies will have to post data on polls and other events that will help find out the opinion of citizens. They will also be required to publish texts or videos of official speeches and statements by leaders and their deputies.

The press service of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology and Communications told Interfax that now many government agencies already maintain pages on social networks. One of the authors of the bill, the head of the committee, Alexander Khinshtein, claims that at present the number of such public pages has reached 55 million. The bill, which will oblige government agencies to do this officially, is designed to focus on the obligation of municipalities to maintain such accounts.

If the bill is passed, the law will enter into force on June 1, 2022.

bbabo.Net