Russian internet users have set up a new association to protect their rights and freedoms in cyberspace, the Russian Pirate Party announced on Thursday.

      "The Association of Internet Users (AIU) was established in April 2013 by several human rights groups in response to numerous laws restricting online freedom in Russia, including the freedoms of speech and expression," it is said in the association's official statement. In particular, it is a response to the law passed by the Russian government in July 2012, which allows to close certain websites, including those containing child pornography, or encouraging illegal drug use or promoting suicide.

      The law has already been used to regulate some websites including some pages of the Wikipedia online encyclopedia and Youtube vdeo. Critics worry it could be misused by the government to clamp down on political opposition.

      The Association also plans to protect data and access to knowledge and cultural values online, participation in Internet moderation, education and other issues. The Agora human rights will do all juridical functions.