The digital arena is where a large part of the Russia-Ukraine battle is being fought, and it may now be taking its toll on major online services and platforms. Google, Apple, Meta, Twitter, TikTok, and other companies have been given until the end of this month to comply with Russia’s new landing law. Meanwhile, outside Russia, agencies are arguing that the law is merely another attempt to tighten internet control, and tech companies are being advised to publicly reject it.
The new Russian law took effect on January 1, 2022, after it was initially announced in November of last year. It requires foreign digital businesses with more than 5 lakh daily users, such as websites and social media platforms, to have a local head in Russia. It also mandates that these businesses register as legal entities with Roskomnadzor, Russia’s national media regulator.
Russia’s landing law also attempts to prevent huge tech companies from having a minor physical presence in the nation while yet conducting business online. It requires businesses to develop an electronic form for both Russian citizens and government officials to use in order to contact them with complaints.
The government published a list of 13 companies that must comply with the new landing law in November. Apple, Google, Meta, Twitter, TikTok, Likeme, Pinterest, Viber, Telegram, Discord, Zoom, Spotify, and Twitch are among these companies. The companies had until the end of February 2022 to comply with the law and take the necessary steps. A Roskomnadzor official restated the deadline earlier this month, threatening the companies with penalties and possible shutdowns if the demands were not completed.