Why Does Roskomnadzor Block Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube? Legal Basis

Roskomnadzor (RKN), Russia’s federal communications regulator, restricts access to foreign platforms based on Russian legislation. The key reasons and legal references include:

1. Failure to Remove Prohibited Content (Article 15.3 of Federal Law No. 149 “On Information”)

Under Clause 1, Article 15.3 of Federal Law No. 149, RKN can demand that website owners remove:

Calls for extremism and terrorism (Articles 280, 282 of the Criminal Code);
Fake news about the Russian military (Article 207.3 of the Criminal Code, Federal Law No. 31 of 04.03.2022);
Promotion of LGBT, drugs, and other banned content (Article 6.17 of the Administrative Code).

Examples:

Meta (Instagram*, Facebook*) was designated an extremist organization (Moscow’s Tverskoy Court ruling, 21.03.2022) for allowing calls for violence against Russians.
Twitter* (X) repeatedly ignored RKN’s demands to delete illegal content.

2. Non-Compliance with Data Localization Laws (Federal Law No. 242, No. 236)

Since 2015, foreign IT companies must:

Store Russian users’ personal data on servers within Russia (Federal Law No. 242);
Establish legal entities in Russia (Federal Law No. 236, “Landing Law”).

YouTube*, Facebook*, and Twitter* failed to comply, leading to additional restrictions.

3. Response to Sanctions and “Discrimination Against Russian Media”

RKN has accused platforms of censoring Russian content (e.g., blocking RT and Sputnik abroad).
In 2022, YouTube* banned channels of Russian state media, which RKN deemed a violation of Article 29 of the Russian Constitution (freedom of information).

Official Statement from the Website Administration

The administration of this website cannot remain indifferent to the current situation. We do not support the actions of foreign entities against the interests of Russia and fully stand in solidarity with the decisions of Roskomnadzor (RKN).

This message serves as an official notice regarding the reasons and consequences of these measures. We emphasize our commitment to complying with national regulations and upholding the sovereignty and security of the Russian Federation in the digital space.

Further updates will be provided as necessary.