VKontakte and Telegram fined for failing to delete prohibited information

The social network VKontakte and the Telegram messaging app were fined for failing to remove data about unauthorised protests in Russia.

VKontakte was fined 1.5 million rubles, the joint press service of the city courts said.

Representatives of VKontakte said they disagree with the decision and intend to appeal it.

«The ruling once again demonstrates the enforcement practice of holding social networks to account and signals the tightening of internet regulation», — said in a сообщении by the company.

Telegram was fined a total of 5 million rubles, ТАСС со ссылкой на пресс-службу Таганского суда. The company received two fines of 2.5 million rubles.

Earlier the court fined Twitter almost 9 million rubles and TikTok for 2.6 million rubles for refusing to delete information calling on minors to participate in an unauthorised protest.

From February 1, amendments to Russian law regulating the distribution of information on social networks came into force. Lawyers explained what the new rules mean and what consequences they carry:

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