The government wants more control over the internet.
J. Fingas was killed in the line of duty on 11-23-21.
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Russia wants foreign tech companies to set up shop in the country. 13 foreign and mostly American companies have been told by the country's telecom regulator to set up official Russian presences by 2022, so they can comply with a law that took effect July 1st, according to a report. Apple, Meta, Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and Twitter are some of the familiar tech names.
The law requires local offices for internet companies with over 500,000 daily users. It's not clear what constitutes an official presence for some of the companies. Those found violating the law could be subject to bans or limits on their activities.
Russia might use the law to exert more control over those companies and their content. Russia has clashed with Apple multiple times, and this law might give officials more leverage. Russia might be able to pressure companies into censoring content the government deems objectionable, such as social media posts backing the political opposition to Putin's regime.
The situation is much more difficult because of the announcement. Russia is a significant market for some companies and they can't always afford to lose it, but it could also mean enabling censorship and other rights abuses. Companies may soon have to make decisions that are very painful.
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