Russian President Putin has reportedly signed amendments into law that will allow Americans working in Russian TV networks to be registered as “foreign agents” under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), according to Russian officials.

The new law will list any media outlets receiving financial assistance from foreign states as a foreign agent.

"According to the text of the law, media that receive financial assistance from foreign states or organizations can be recognized as foreign agents, while the decision on which outlets will be classified as 'foreign agents' will be taken by the Ministry of Justice," Sputnik news agency reported.

Putin was recently accused of launching an attack on the freedom of speech in his country.

Russia’s Ministry of Justice has yet to confirm which outlets are going to be classified as “foreign agents.”

Meanwhile, any outlet falling under the classification will have to provide a notice stating that their published work was provided by a foreign agent, as well providing an expense report, and information about their management.

The Voice of America, Current Time network, Radio Free and others were told that they might be possibly added to the list, the Express.co.uk reported
Russia is acting in retaliation to the US government’s request that the Russian TV network “RT” register its American arm as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), CNN reported.

Putin had threatened the US last month with a crackdown on their media outlets in Russia.

“As soon as we see concrete steps limiting the activities of our mass media, a tit-for-tat response will follow immediately.”

Russia has been repeatedly accused of interfering in the US presidential elections, however, Russia denied meddling in the elections.