On December 4, 2023, the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) published a list of foreign social media platforms that were fined for violations of Federal Law of 27 July 2006 No.149-FZ on Information, Information Technologies, and Protection of Information (the Law).

Background to the decision

The Roskomnadzor noted that Article 10(6) of the Law requires that social media websites, among other things:

• monitor and independently remove prohibited information posted on their website;
• have a legally valid form for user requests; and
• annually publish a report on the results of the work done in this regard.

Findings of the Roskomnadzor

In particular, the Roskomnadzor confirmed that the companies failed to conduct conscientious moderation of the content posted on their websites and did not publish the necessary information as required by the Law, even after receiving requests to do so.

Outcomes

Based on its findings, the Roskomnadzor decided to fine the following companies:

• Pinterest Europe Ltd. - RUB 900,000 (approx. $9,930);
• Twitch Interactive Inc. - RUB 900,000 (approx. $9,930);
• Google LLC - RUB 900,000 (approx. $9,930);
• TikTok Technology Limited - RUB 750,000 (approx. $8,275);
• Telegram Messenger Inc. - RUB 900,000 (approx. $9,930); and
• LIKEME PTE. LTD., which operates the app Likee - RUB 800,000 (approx. $8,830).

Furthermore, the Roskomnadzor also noted that another eight protocols of administrative offenses are awaiting consideration in court.

You can read the press release, only available in Russian, here.