Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law that imposes strict regulations on instant messaging services and social media platforms, particularly targeting channels with large audiences.
This move is seen as part of the government's broader strategy to tighten control over information and communication within the country.
Key Provisions of the New Law:
- Mandatory Registration for Popular Channels: The law requires owners of messaging channels and social media pages with over 10,000 followers to register with Roskomnadzor, Russia's media watchdog. These channel owners must provide detailed information about themselves, allowing the government to identify and monitor their activities. Failure to comply will result in significant restrictions, including a ban on advertising, funding solicitations, and the reposting of content from unregistered channels.
- Regulation of Messenger Services: The law mandates that messaging services ensure users do not receive unsolicited messages from unknown senders. Additionally, messaging platforms must provide user information to authorities upon request, further increasing state oversight of digital communications.
- Stricter SIM Card Regulations: The law limits the number of SIM cards a Russian citizen can own to 20, while foreign nationals are restricted to 10. These limits apply to both personal and corporate SIM cards. Telecom operators are required to verify subscriber information using various state-controlled identification systems before activating services, and they must report this data to the state’s SIM card control system.
- Cash Payments and Identification: Cash payments for telecommunication services will only be allowed through bank branches, postal services, or other government-designated organizations. These transactions must include verification of the payer's identity, a move aimed at further curbing anonymous communications.
- Impact on Bloggers and Social Media Influencers: The law also affects bloggers and social media influencers with large followings. Those with more than 10,000 subscribers are now subject to the same registration requirements as messaging services. This measure is expected to impact the media landscape significantly, as unregistered accounts will face restrictions that could limit their reach and financial viability.
Telegram's Role Amid Media Censorship:
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, millions of Russians have flocked to Telegram channels as a primary source of information. With traditional media outlets heavily controlled by the state and broadcasting almost exclusively the Kremlin's narrative, Telegram has become a vital platform for those seeking alternative perspectives and uncensored news.
Telegram channels have proliferated, offering a space where independent journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens can share information outside the government's control.
The platform's popularity surge provided a rare venue for uncensored discussions, making it a significant target for the new law.
Implications and Reactions:
The law, which will come into force on November 1, 2024, with additional provisions starting January 1, 2025, is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to assert greater control over the digital space. By requiring popular channels and social media pages to register with Roskomnadzor, the government aims to monitor and regulate the flow of information more effectively.
Critics argue that this move will stifle free speech and limit the ability of independent voices to reach large audiences. The restrictions on advertising and funding for unregistered channels could also lead to financial difficulties for many content creators, potentially driving some to shut down their operations.
The long-term impact on free expression and digital innovation in the country remains to be seen. Telegram, once a bastion of free speech in Russia, may now find itself under increasing scrutiny, further limiting the space for independent journalism and dissenting voices in the country.
Russian courts previously fined Telegram app for failing to provide the country's security services with encryption keys to read users' messaging data.
