[ad_1]
On February 16, a Roskomnadzor official said that companies that do not comply by the end of the month will be penalized. In addition to fines and possible shutdowns or slowdowns, penalties can disrupt ad sales, search engine processing, data collection and payments, according to the law.
According to Russian media, Roskomnadzor vice-president Vadim Subbotin told the Russian Parliament, “We will consider the issue of implementing measures before the end of this month for companies that have not started the ‘landing’ procedure.”
Human rights and free speech groups said they were disappointed that some tech companies, often seen as less loyal to the government in Russia, are complying with the law without public protest.
“The ulterior motive behind the passing of the Descent law is to create the legal basis for extensive online censorship by silencing remaining dissident voices and threatening freedom of expression online,” said Joanna Szymanska, an expert on Russian internet censorship. A community group based in London.
Mr Chikov, who represents companies, including Telegram, in lawsuits against the Russian government, said he met with Facebook last year to discuss Russia policies. Facebook executives sought advice on whether to withdraw from Russia, including cutting off access to Facebook and Instagram. The company instead complied with the law.
Mr. Chikov has urged tech companies to speak out against Russian demands to set a broader precedent in combating censorship, even if it results in a ban.
“There were times when big tech companies were leaders not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of civil liberties, freedom of expression and privacy,” he said. “They are now acting more like large transnational corporations securing their business interests.”
Anton Troianovski and Oleg Matsnev contributing reporting.
[ad_2]
Source link