Russia slows down Twitter, accused of violating the law

–

The standoff is engaged between Russia and social media platforms. In this particular case, it’s Twitter that bears the brunt. Indeed, Russia accuses the platform of not removing illegal content. Faced with this, the Russian authorities decided to slow down the functioning of the social network as a punishment.

A measure linked to the role played by social networks during the demonstrations of opposition supporters

Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor has announced it will slow down access to Twitter. This slowdown will in particular affect the loading speeds of photos and videos on all interfaces that can make it possible to use the social network. This decision was taken in the face of the social media platform’s refusal to remove content deemed illegal by the censorship body. It was also made clear that the move was temporary and that it would lead to a possible total ban on Twitter and heavy fines if the platform refuses to comply with the demands of the Russian authorities.

These requirements relate in particular to the deletion of 3,168 messages on Twitter dating from 2017 which, according to Roskomnadzor, “ encourage underage suicide and contain child pornography and information on drug use “. Note that Twitter is not the only social media platform to be in the sights of the Russian regulator. Facebook, TikTok and YouTube are also affected, and Russian officials have said their platforms will also be slowed down if they fail to comply with Russia’s recommended content moderation rules, the report said. Wall Street Journal.

Note that this fight between the Russian authorities and social networks was mainly fueled by the role played by these platforms in the expansion of the influence of Alexeï Navalny. Indeed, it is mainly through social networks that opposition supporters have expressed their support for the political activist who was imprisoned upon his return to the country. Faced with this imprisonment, it was again social networks that allowed opposition supporters to organize demonstrations in January. According to The Guardian, these anti-government protests were the largest in the country for at least a decade.

—

–

A decision that undermines neutrality on the Internet, according to Twitter

In response to the decision of the Russian authorities and the reasons they gave, Twitter made it clear that the platform has zero tolerance for content related to the sexual exploitation of children and the use of drugs. Thus, the social network considers that the punishment is not justified and undermines neutrality on the Web. ” We remain committed to championing the Open Internet globally and are deeply concerned about the increasing attempts to block and strangle public conversation online. “, Said a spokesperson for Twitter on CNBC.

Read also Instagram launches Live Rooms to accommodate up to four live attendees

It is also important to know that after the application of the Twitter slowdown, many government websites suddenly stopped working, including Roskomnadzor’s one. Several pro-Kremlin commentators have suggested that the blackouts may have been the result of a US cyberattack, but Russian authorities have confirmed that it was in fact a domestic problem, caused by a malfunctioning router in the United States. within Rostelecom, the state’s digital service provider. In addition to this formal denial, Russian officials also claimed they had no pleasure in slowing down U.S. social media, but it was necessary to enforce the law. .

–

Related posts:

Sony and Microsoft's New Game Releases Will be On Xbox Platform, Confirms Xbox Twitter Account

Rising star announced, a training simulation that communicates with real horses

Up to date: PlayStation 5 at last obtainable

Poco X5 Review – It sails through without any major hiccups

Share this:

• Facebook
• X

Related