President Vladimir Putin signed the controversial “Internet sovereignty” bill, which strengthens government control over the Russian Internet.

Large-scale protests have been staged in an attempt to stop passing the law, Russian companies have until November 1 to comply with the law, which the Kremlin says will make Russia safer in the face of cyber attacks.

However, Russia has taken a big step in its ambition to isolate itself from the global Internet and create a closed network that is accessible only within the country.

Russia has recently passed laws banning non-respect for the government, so violators who openly repeat criticism of the state, its officials and Russian society may get jail terms of up to 15 days.