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WhatsApp Drops Channels Launch in Russia Over Ban Threat

Russia’s media watchdog Roskomnadzor had threatened to block WhatsApp if the new Channels feature began distributing “banned information.”

on the blacklist

Russia Blocked 5K Websites Per Week in 2022, NGO Says

Russia has blocked an average of 4,900 websites per week so far in 2022, according to an internet freedom NGO’s tally published by the Kommersant...

unmentioned words

Russian Media Watchdog Denies Censoring 'War,' 'Peace' Lyrics in TV Performances

Russia's state media watchdog has denied ordering state television to censor war-related words after several entertainment channels censored the lyrics...

short-lived access

New Novaya Gazeta Site Blocked in Russia

The Russian prosecutor's office accused it — without providing details — of "discrediting" the Russian Armed Forces.

Russia Accuses Google of 'Fake News,' Bans Ads

Russia has already limited access to Google News app and website and accused Google of being "anti-Russian."

Russia’s Novaya Gazeta Suspends Operations After Kremlin Warnings

The top independent outlet said it will not publish anything until Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine ends.

blocked outlets

Russia Blocks Access to BBC, Vows More Media Retaliation

At least 31 other media websites were blocked Wednesday in a crackdown that sharply escalated after Russia sent in troops to Ukraine.

mandatory content

Russia to Require Netflix to Stream State Television Broadcasts

Russia has in recent months tightened restrictions on foreign internet giants’ operations within its borders.

ongoing crackdown

Russia Blocks Rights Monitor Website for Promoting 'Terrorism'

OVD-Info tracks opposition protests and also provides legal support to victims of political persecution.

contraband chachkis

Russia Briefly Bans Etsy Over Knockoff Designer Goods – Kommersant

Access to the website was restored after Etsy removed the knockoff page that sold fake products from brands like Gucci.

Russia Considers Banning ‘Perverted’ TV Shows and Movies Online – Vedomosti

The proposed rules could lead to movies like “50 Shades of Grey” being blocked by Russian internet providers.

mounting penalties

Russia Threatens Facebook with Massive Fine

The fine calls for a total of "5 to 10 percent" of Facebook's "annual revenue" for repeatedly ignoring requests to remove banned content.

Google Blocks Russian Opposition Voting Recommendations

The U.S. tech giant faces mounting criticism from the Russian opposition and abroad for backing down to demands from Russian authorities.

financial penalty

Russia Fines U.S. Web Giants for Breaching Data Storage Law

The penalties come as authorities ramp up control of the Russian segment of the internet.

'important milestone'

Russia Orders Apple, Google to Remove Navalny App

Navalny began actively promoting the app after the authorities blocked access to his website and 49 other associated sites.

Russia Blocks 49 Navalny-Linked Websites, Allies Say

The blocked sites include the jailed Kremlin critic's personal website as well as those of lawyer Lyubov Sobol and Navalny's regional network.

escalating warning

Russia Threatens to Block Twitter Within 30 Days

Russia says the ban will take effect if Twitter fails to take down over 3,000 posts containing banned information.

Russia Says Twitter Not Removing 'Banned' Information

Roskomnadzor says Twitter failed to comply with the request to delete child pornography, pro-drug and suicide content.

connection chokehold

Russia Disrupts Twitter Access in Banned Content Row

Experts say the move represents a new crackdown on western social media platforms.

Twitter Maliciously Violates Russian Law, State Censor Says

Roskomnadzor says Twitter failed to take down thousands of tweets containing banned information.

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