Roskomnadzor to restrict access to Instagram in Russia

Roskomnadzor stated that it would restrict access to Instagram in Russia on the basis of a demand from the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Last demanded that Roskomnadzor block the social network and filed with the court a petition to designate the company Meta as an extremist organisation owning Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Earlier, in Media there was information that Meta allowed residents of certain countries to call for violence against Russian soldiers in cases involving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It was also reported that the company would temporarily permit messages calling for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. According to the media, such posts would not be banned if they do not have other purposes and do not specify location or method of killing.

Later, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone assured that Facebook and Instagram would not permit calls for violence against Russian peaceful citizens.

The Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Russia opened a criminal case against Meta employees under the article on calls for extremist activity and aiding terrorism.

«Within the framework of the criminal case, the necessary investigative measures are being conducted to give a legal assessment of the actions of Andy Stone and other employees of the American corporation,» the agency said.

Net Freedoms noted that there is no need to run and delete accounts, posts and messages yet, since a legal procedure lies ahead — the Prosecutor General’s Office’s filing will go to the Supreme Court, and Meta representatives will be able to appeal the decision. The company will be added to the list of extremist organisations only after the court ruling takes effect.

Earlier, on March 4, Roskomnadzor had already blocked access to Facebook and Twitter.

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