Belarusian Internet Cafes Obliged to Cooperate with KGB :: Charter'97 :: News

From now on an owner of an Internet-Cafe or a person authorized by him is to keep a log of domain names of sites read by users. A log of domain names is to be stores for at least 12 months and if necessary given to officers of state security, law-enforcing and state inspection agencies. This demand in contained in a decree of Belarusian government “with the aim to regularize relations in the sphere of computer clubs and internet-café business”.

Besides, “in case a user is suspected of a computer crime”, the administration of an Internet-café is to inform relevant law-enforcing agencies immediately.

In line with the decree of the government, it is prohibited to “distribute information forbidden for distribution in public communications network” in Internet-cafes, to “make attempts of unsanctioned access to informational systems of public-service communications networks”, and to use programmes propagating cult of violence, cruelty, pornography”.

Relevant state agencies are to control the work of computer clubs and Internet-cafes which falls within their competence and their abiding by the new regulations.