TikTok has been fined 3 million roubles (approximately $28,930) by a Russian court for failing to adhere to national regulations on content distribution.
The penalty, handed down on 27 December 2024, was confirmed by the Moscow courts’ press service, although no specific details regarding the breach were disclosed.
This is yet another instance of Russia enforcing its strict content control policies on global technology platforms. In a similar case in 2022, TikTok was penalised for allegedly failing to remove material promoting LGBTQ+ themes to minors, as per Russian regulators’ complaints.
In recent years, Russia has steadily tightened its grip on the digital sector. The implementation of the Sovereign Internet Law in 2019 gave authorities more control over domestic internet activity, allowing for potential isolation of Russia’s internet infrastructure from the global network.
Reports view this measure as a gateway to increased censorship and surveillance under the guise of cybersecurity.
In September 2024, the Russian government announced an investment of 60 billion roubles (around $660 million) to enhance its online censorship framework.
Managed by Roskomnadzor, the system employs sophisticated tools to filter and control internet traffic, a move helping to consolidate control over online information following geopolitical tensions, particularly the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
While the pressure on international tech companies to conform to Russia’s content regulations is increasing, expanded enforcement mechanisms are pushing platforms operating in the country to balance compliance with local laws so they can ensure wider digital freedoms.
