MOSCOW, February 21 - RAPSI. State Duma Deputy Sergei Zheleznyak has suggested amending the tax legislation, so as to tax bloggers for mentioning brands, the lawmaker told RIA Novosti Thursday. He said the tax should be imposed on direct and indirect advertising.

As the relationship between bloggers and advertisers is presently unregulated, he said, it is possible for these parties to avoid paying taxes.

"Advertising is a commercial activity," Zheleznyak said. "The lack of civilized taxation creates unfair competition." He said advertising in blogs should be allowed only after an agreement is signed.

According to the lawmaker, experts are discussing his initiative to "work out a general approach." The expert review will be followed by a public discussion to ensure that the industry clearly understands the initiative to be introduced.