Roskomnadzor Takes Action Against 12 Foreign Hosting Providers
On September 27, 2023, representatives of Roskomnadzor announced that they have taken enforcement measures against 12 foreign hosting providers. These measures involve informing internet users through search engines about the companies’ violations of Russian law.
Which Companies Are Affected?
The following companies are subject to these measures:
- Hetzner Online GmbH (hetzner.com)
- Network Solutions, LLC (networksolutions.com)
- WPEngine, Inc. (wpengine.com)
- HostGator.com, LLC (hostgator.com)
- Ionos Inc. (ionos.com)
- DreamHost, LLC (dreamhost.com)
- FastComet, Inc. (fastcomet.com)
- Amazon Web Services, Inc. (aws.amazon.com)
- GoDaddy.com LLC (www.godaddy.com)
- Bluehost Inc. (bluehost.com)
- Kamatera Inc. (kamatera.com)
- DigitalOcean, LLC (digitalocean.com)
Background and Legal Requirements
According to Russian law, specifically Federal Law No. 236-FZ “On the Activities of Foreign Entities on the Internet in the Russian Federation,” foreign hosting providers whose users are located in Russia must comply with certain requirements. The companies listed above failed to:
- Register a personal account on the Roskomnadzor website
- Provide a feedback form for Russian citizens and organizations
- Establish an authorized representative office in Russia
What Happens Next?
Roskomnadzor notes that these informational measures will remain in effect until the foreign hosting providers fully comply with the specified obligations. As a result, search engines are now required to label these companies as violators of Russian law in their search results, and this process has already begun.