IT and Authority: Websites get mass media status

June 3, 2011 the State Duma finally adopted the draft on legal regulation of mass media. The draft clarifies that websites will be recognized the mass media in case they voluntarily register as the mass media.

The draft also provides that the mass media will be given a right to register as autonomous institutions. This will enable them to attract extra funding and remain not subject to requirements of the Public Procurement Law.

The document also introduces universal licenses for broadcasting, which “will allow broadcasting in several formats”. The universal license will be valid for ten years. Currently under the law the license runs for 5 years.

The law is due to enter into force on November 10, 2011, with an exception of several provisions. It stipulates that in Russia will be set up a state information system containing urgent information on all registered mass media.