The reason is the demand from the Supervisory Authority. The agency informed Apple that the request contains information materials of an organization whose activity on the territory of the Russian Federation is recognized as undesirable.
In October, at the request of Raskomnadzor, Apple removed the function of the TV channel “Today” from its store, which was created by the media corporation Radio Svabdnaya Evropa/Radio Svaboda with the participation of “Voice of America”.
It became known yesterday that Apple has hidden the “Podcasts” application of the Russian BBC service from Russian users, as well as The Insider and “Ekho Moskvy” podcasts, which publish recordings of political programs and do not belong to the closed radio station. of the same name.
The media corporation Radio Free Europe/Radio Svaboda was included in the list of undesirable organizations in Russia in February this year. President of the corporation Styvan Kapus called this decision “another example of the fact that the Russian government sees true journalistic matters as an existential threat.”
In September, 28 organizations, including human rights organizations, the media, companies that create VPN applications, appealed to Apple to stop censorship, which is done at the request of the Russian authorities.
– What are the legal repercussions for tech companies operating under Russia’s censorship laws?
Title: Understanding Tech Censorship in Russia: An Interview with Media Freedom Expert Dr. Elena Grigoreva
Keywords: Tech censorship, Russia, Apple, media freedom, undesirable organizations, Raskomnadzor.
Q: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Grigoreva. Recently, we’ve seen significant action from Apple regarding their compliance with Russian authorities, including the removal of apps and content. Can you provide an overview of what led to these actions?
A: Thank you for having me. Apple’s recent actions stem from a direct request by Raskomnadzor, the Russian Supervisory Authority, which has been increasingly proactive in censoring information sources deemed undesirable. In October, Apple removed the “Today” TV channel from its store, a channel linked to the media corporation Radio Svaboda, which is recognized as an undesirable organization by the Russian government. This reflects the ongoing pressures technology companies face in balancing compliance with local laws against their commitments to freedom of expression.
Q: The term “undesirable organizations” is significant here. Can you delve into what this designation means for media companies operating in Russia?
A: Absolutely. The designation of “undesirable organizations” allows the Russian government to define certain media outlets and NGOs as threats to national security or public order. Once labeled as such, these organizations face severe restrictions, and their content can be systematically blocked or removed from digital platforms. For example, Radio Svoboda was placed on this list in February, and under such classifications, tech companies like Apple may feel compelled to censor related content to avoid legal repercussions and fines.
Q: Beyond the direct impacts on media organizations, what are the broader implications of these censorship actions for tech companies and users in Russia?
A: The broader implications are profound. For tech companies, there’s a fundamental conflict between upholding free access to information and complying with authoritarian government demands. This can lead to self-censorship, where companies proactively remove content to avoid confrontation. For users, especially those seeking independent news sources, this restricts access to critical information and stifles voices that challenge state narratives. We are seeing a worrying trend of diminishing media diversity and increasing control over information flows in Russia.
Q: In light of the rising censorship, what advice would you give to users in Russia who want to access independent news and content?
A: Users should consider utilizing VPNs, which allow them to circumvent regional blocks and access content outside of Russian jurisdiction. However, it is essential to choose reputable VPN providers as some might be under government scrutiny as well. Staying informed through global news outlets that report on Russian affairs is crucial, as is following independent journalists on social media platforms, as they can provide alternative perspectives despite potential censorship issues.
Q: can you share any thoughts on how the international community, including social media platforms, can respond to such censorship tactics imposed by authoritarian regimes?
A: The international community must advocate for digital freedoms and the protection of independent media. Social media platforms must develop robust strategies to counteract censorship, including decentralizing access to information and creating safe spaces for discourse. Moreover, international organizations must collaborate with tech companies to establish guidelines for upholding journalistic freedoms in hostile environments, ensuring that platforms do not compromise the fundamental right to free speech under government pressure.
Q: Thank you, Dr. Grigoreva, for your insights into these pressing issues. It’s clear that the conversation around tech censorship in Russia is critical for anyone concerned about media freedom and access to information today.
A: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s crucial to continue these discussions, as the battle for media freedom affects us all.
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End of Interview
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