Russian authorities said Tuesday; they would block Twitter in a month if it doesn’t take steps to remove banned content, a move that escalates the Russian government’s drawn-out standoff with social media platforms that have played a major role in amplifying dissent in Russia.
Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, last week announced; it was slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter; over its alleged failure to remove content encouraging suicide among children and information about drugs and child pornography.
Twitter said at the time; that it was worried about the impact on the free speech of the Russian action, and denied that it allowed its platform to be used to promote illegal behavior as alleged by Russian authorities.
The agency said Twitter has failed to remove more than 3,000 posts with banned content, including more than 2,500 posts encouraging suicide among minors. The platform responded by emphasizing its policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, promotion of suicide, and drug sales.
“Twitter has not properly responded to our requests. If things go the same way; it will be blocked out of court in a month,” Vadim Subbotin, deputy head of Roskomnadzor; told the Interfax News Agency.
Authorities have criticized social media platforms that have been used to bring tens of thousands of people into the streets across Russia this year; to demand the release of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The wave of demonstrations was the largest in years and posed a major challenge to the Kremlin.
The authorities alleged social media platforms failed to remove calls for children to join the protests. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged police to act more; to monitor social platforms, and to track down those who “draw the children into illegal and unsanctioned street actions.”
Furthermore, Russia’s foreign ministry on Saturday accused the United States of using IT opportunities to engage in unfair competition and social media platforms of arbitrarily and indiscriminately censoring content.