The upload speed of Twitter has been restricted by authorities in Russia. They stated that Twitter has failed to comply with the removal of banned content that was requested. As a result, the decision has been taken. This comes in a series of attempts to curb the use of social media platforms in enhancing dissent.
The controversial content is alleged to encourage suicide for children audiences. It is also said to contain underage pornography as well as information on illegal drugs. Roskomnadzor, the body that watches over state communications, came to this decision on Wednesday.
Russia’s Current Strife With Social Media
Twitter replied with the terms in its policy that focus on no tolerance for such material. The Russian body issued a warning that the platform can face a complete ban if it continues to refuse to comply with the Russian laws. Roskomnadzor said that Twitter has not removed more than 2000 posts that were pointed out by the Russian authority. However, they stated that they are dedicated to promoting and supporting a free internet.
Twitter is less popular than Facebook in Russia, having only one-third of the users. Roskomsvoboda, a group advocating internet rights, leader Artyom Kozlyuk said that this was possibly a stunt to intimidate the rest of the social media platforms. The action is taken after mass support for the release of Alexei Navalny was rallied using social media platforms. Navalny, the leader of the opposition, has been alleged to have been assigned to a penal colony.
The country and social media platforms have been caught in a battle over allowed content since 2012. Twitter has admittedly blocked accounts because of promoting Russian beliefs that are against the intention of NATO. Last year, Roskomnadzor had also tried to ban Telegram after they had refused to let the authorities rifle through user’s messages.
After the slowdown was initiated, Russian government websites also suffered from a lack of speed. Experts speculate the issue might be an oversight on the part of government officials overseeing the slowdown.
