TikTok momentarily prohibits the production of new videos in Russia

TikTok has suspended new video uploads and live streams on its app in Russia, citing the country’s recently enacted “fake news” law as the reason.

Last Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the fake news law into the law. It imposes fines and up to 15 years in prison on those who circulate “false information” about Russia’s military or publicly call for sanctions against Russia. Russia has begun to crack down on social media platforms and international media outlets as it continues its invasion of Ukraine – Russia has blocked Facebook, restricted access to Twitter, and blocked access to BBC news websites.

Last Monday, Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, chastised TikTok for removing state-sponsored content from its platform. TikTok later announced plans to label “some” state-controlled material and has apparently begun making it more difficult for users to view Russian official media, following the lead of Facebook, YouTube, and others.