Posted: 24.12.2021 13:07:00

Putin comments on further work of foreign IT services if they ignore Russian laws

Moscow does not want to resort to blocking foreign IT services but such measures cannot be ruled out in case of further ignoring requirements of Russian laws – as stressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin at a press conference on December 23rd

Photo: www.reuters.com

"We will continue to insist in our work with global platforms that they should comply with our laws. As you know, in many countries, Internet traffic is slowed down and other methods are used – including blocking of their activities. We would very much like to avoid such extreme measures. However, if we are forced to do it, we will have to increase requirements for those who are engaged in this work but ignore the interests of Russian society," Vladimir Putin said.

On July 1st, the Law On Activities of Foreign Persons on the Internet Information and Telecommunications Network in the Territory of the Russian Federation was adopted. In line with the document, foreign Internet companies with a daily audience of more than 500,000 users will have to open their authorised representative offices in the territory of the Russian Federation.

In addition to the requirement to establish a branch or representative office of a Russian legal entity from January 1st, 2022, foreign persons need to follow a number of legal duties. Among them is the need to post a feedback form on their website with users from the Russian Federation, and to restrict access to information that violates Russian legislation.

The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) has posted a list of foreign IT companies that will be required to open representative offices in Russia from January 1st. Among them are Google (Google Play, YouTube, YouTube Music, Google Chat, Gmail), Apple (iCloud, App Store, Apple Music), Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), Twitter, TikTok, Telegram, as well as Zoom, Viber, Spotify, Likeme Pte. Ltd. (Likee), Discord, Pinterest and Twitch.