<p>Unlike the Russian press and state-run TV channels, the Runet - or Russian internet - has avoided government censorship and restrictions, turning it into forum for anti-government discussion.<br /><br />"When people talk about internet regulation, there is a feeling that the state wants to stick its hand in and create the kind of barriers that only exist in specific countries," Medvedev said at a meeting of online media representatives.<br /><br />"The president's task is to make the right decisions in terms of regulating public relations, including the internet."</p>.<p>Earlier, the Federal Security Service had caused alarm among Russia's estimated 60 million internet users by demanding access to internet communication services like Gmail and Skype.<br /><br />In a move reminiscent of Soviet-style repression, the service claimed the "uncontrolled use of these services could lead to a large-scale threat to Russian security".</p>.<p>Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has dismissed fears of full-blown state regulation, saying that "it is not possible to restrict anything".<br /><br />Medvedev also said Russia may bring forward an initiative to protect intellectual property from internet piracy.<br /></p>
<p>Unlike the Russian press and state-run TV channels, the Runet - or Russian internet - has avoided government censorship and restrictions, turning it into forum for anti-government discussion.<br /><br />"When people talk about internet regulation, there is a feeling that the state wants to stick its hand in and create the kind of barriers that only exist in specific countries," Medvedev said at a meeting of online media representatives.<br /><br />"The president's task is to make the right decisions in terms of regulating public relations, including the internet."</p>.<p>Earlier, the Federal Security Service had caused alarm among Russia's estimated 60 million internet users by demanding access to internet communication services like Gmail and Skype.<br /><br />In a move reminiscent of Soviet-style repression, the service claimed the "uncontrolled use of these services could lead to a large-scale threat to Russian security".</p>.<p>Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has dismissed fears of full-blown state regulation, saying that "it is not possible to restrict anything".<br /><br />Medvedev also said Russia may bring forward an initiative to protect intellectual property from internet piracy.<br /></p>