'Highly-extensive' security checks for Sochi Winter Games could violate privacy

The organizers of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi have introduced some of the most extensive security checks ever seen at an international sports event, raising concerns of stifling dissent and violating privacy.

According to The Japan Times, With an Islamist insurgency raging across the North Caucasus Mountains east of the Black Sea resort, Russia's security agencies have had carte blanche to ensure that nothing spoils President Vladimir Putin's pet project.

While the official line is that the stringent measures are meant to block the terrorism threat, critics say the Kremlin is equally concerned about preventing anti-Putin protesters from raising an embarrassing ruckus at the games, the report said.

Russian security agencies have developed a massive surveillance system that critics say will allow them to intercept any phone calls and Internet traffic, with a particular emphasis on Sochi, the report added.

Earlier this year, the Communications Ministry issued a directive urging all communications companies to introduce new equipment capable of intercepting mail traffic on Gmail and Yahoo, the report further said.

A controversial Russian law banning gay propaganda has drawn broad international criticism, and activists may be planning protests in Sochi despite an official ban on all rallies, according to the report.