The "Foreign Agent Law" dates back to 2012 when it only applied to non-government organizations that receive international funds, donations, or grants (whether from foreign governments, organizations or even citizens). Its purpose was to demonize independent groups that carry out public advocacy, especially those that in any way challenge government policies and actions.

In 2019, however, Vladimir Putin updated the legislation to apply to any private individual or group who receives any amount of foreign funding and publishes "printed, audio, audio visual or other reports and materials." The effects have been chilling.

Since then the "Foreign Agent" law is used to to go after any journalist, news organization, media outlet, activist, opposition group, human rights defender, or even ordinary citizen that is critical of the government.

"Foreign agents" are required to label anything they publish — even a social media post — with the following disclaimer indicating their status as a foreign agent:

They are also required to file regular financial statements and reports on their activities every six months and undergo annual audits. Moreover, "foreign agents" face police raids, restrictions on their activities, huge fines, criminal prosecution, jail time, and death.

The term "foreign agent" has negative Soviet-era meanings in Russia, suggestive of spying and treachery. This drives off advertisers and citizens who are afraid of being associated with a "foreign agent," or anything that the Kremlin views unfavorably. A countless number of independent media organizations have been shut down by the government or forced to close because of this. Independent journalists (who are featured in this project) are deprived of any income and often suffer the most.

The effects of this and countless other government restrictions have been devastating to Russia's complex, diverse population. Without freedom of expression and access to factual and accurate information provided by independent media, Putin keeps his grip on power and prevents the country from becoming a democratic society.