Russian Social Networks to Submit Annual Reports on Removal of Banned Content
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal communications regulator, has proposed that social networks be required to submit annual reports detailing the removal of content prohibited in Russia, including content taken down in response to user requests. Draft orders from Roskomnadzor have been published on the official portal for regulatory acts, with public discussion open until March 16.
Reporting Requirements for Social Networks
According to the first draft order, each social network must publish its report on the main page of the platform no later than February 1 each year. The report should include:
- Information on the results of identifying illegal content
- Data on the total number of pages containing such content and the number of pages from which it was removed
- The number of pages where content was removed by the social network itself (without a request from Roskomnadzor)
- The number of pages where content was blocked at Roskomnadzor’s request
- The number of pages for which the social network contacted Roskomnadzor
User Complaints and Electronic Forms
Social networks will also be required to report on the results of user complaints regarding the publication of prohibited information. The report must specify:
- How many complaints led to content being blocked by the social network without Roskomnadzor’s involvement
- How many complaints were forwarded to the agency
- The number of cases where the social network refused to restrict access to the content
User complaints must be submitted through a special electronic form in Russian, which should be available on the main page of the social network. Access to this form must also be possible from the user’s personal page, according to another draft order.
Background: New Laws on Internet Regulation
On December 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed several laws aimed at combating censorship by foreign internet platforms, the spread of defamation online, the process for recognizing internet resources as social networks, and the fight against “gray” SIM cards.
According to the law targeting censorship by foreign internet platforms against Russian media, Roskomnadzor will have the authority to partially or fully block internet resources that restrict access to significant information in Russia based on nationality, language, origin, property or official status, profession, place of residence or work, religious beliefs, or in connection with political or economic sanctions imposed by foreign states against Russia or Russian citizens.