Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed into law a series of bills criminalising persons who would spread "fake news" or "disrespecting" the state, in a move which, critics say, will curtail freedom of speech of criticising the government.

The new legislation allows Russian authorities to block websites or Internet accounts that publish what they deem to be "fake news" and penalises those who post material found to be insulting and distasteful to state officials, state symbols and Russian society.