Russia's watchdog imposes measures against TikTok, Telegram, Zoom, Discord, Pinterest

Russia's watchdog imposes measures against TikTok, Telegram, Zoom, Discord, Pinterest
August 19, 2022, 5:01 pm

Onion- or helmet-shaped domes in Moscow, Russia (File photo: Pixabay)

Russia's state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor said on Friday (August 19) that it was taking punitive measures against a string of foreign IT companies, including TikTok, Telegram, Zoom, Discord and Pinterest, according to the CNA, Reuters reported.

In a statement, Roskomnadzor said that the measures were in response to the companies' failure to remove content that it had flagged as illegal, and would remain in place until they complied. It did not specify what measures would be taken.

Russia has repeatedly threatened to fine sites - including Google, that violate harsh new laws criminalising the spreading of "false information" about the Russian army.

On Tuesday (August 16), Russian courts fined U.S.-based live streaming service Twitch 2 million roubles ($33,000) and messenger service Telegram 11 million roubles ($179,000) for violating military censorship laws.

Russia's watchdog takes punitive measures against a string of foreign IT companies, including TikTok, Telegram, Zoom, Discord and Pinterest - Photo. Pixabay

Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has always tried to restrict and ban access to social media platforms and independent media.

Russia bans Facebook following war on Ukraine, reports on limiting Twitter

Previously, a court in Moscow has ruled to label Meta Platforms an “extremist organization," a move that effectively outlaws its Facebook and Instagram social media platforms.

They said Meta "deliberately allowed hate speech against Russians, which created an alternative reality in which any pro-Russian position was suppressed and hatred was incited.”

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