The Russian government is planning to launch its own social network by the end of the month, Izvestia reported. Members of the network will be able to get their own accounts, discuss social problems and upload photos, audio and video.
The privately funded social network will be created on the basis of the already existing portal Rossia Bez Durakov, which currently serves as a forum for complaints.
After discussing social problems in the network communities, members will be encouraged to formally appeal to local deputies about their concerns. The most important complaints will be discussed at the federal level.
The move is part of the government's effort to encourage openness, Mikhail Abyzov, minister in charge of relations with the expert community, told Izvestia.
But representatives of Vkontakte, the most popular social network in Russia, questioned the usefulness of the proposed tool. Vkontakte is ready to cover all the functions of the proposed government network, a company representative told Izvestia.