Use of foul language in Russian mass media to be restricted

Deputies of the Russian parliament propose the fine for profanity in the media should be raised up to 200,000 rubles ($6,700) to protect not only children but also adults from foul language. The adequate bill has already been introduced to the State Duma.

United Russia deputies submitted the amendments. State Duma Deputy Speaker Sergei Zheleznyak reminded that the fines currently threaten only those who use foul language in public. In addition, Russia has recently passed the law about the protection of children from the information that may harm their health and development. However, the law prohibits profanity only in the materials that are meant for children and adolescents.

Meanwhile, the Duma has received countless complaints from people about the use of foul language in print media and on television. The proposed changes to the law will extend the prohibition of obscene language on all programs and publications, Vedomosti wrote. Under the bill, the maximum amount of the fine -200,000 rubles - is set for legal entities. The penalty for common citizens is proposed to vary from 2 to 3 thousand rubles ($80-100).

People mostly complain of the foul language used in the programs of such TV channels as TNT, Pepper, MuzTV and MTV, Izvestia reports.