In September, Roskomnadzor presented the procedure for creating and maintaining a list of personal pages of users of social networks with an audience of more than 10,000 subscribers. In addition to the name, index of pages, surname, first name and patronymic of the owner, it is proposed to include in the list information about subscriber numbers, email addresses and network addresses of equipment. The innovation will spread on social networks Likee, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Telegram, LiveJournal, Pikabu, Pinterest, Rutube, Zen, Twich, Discord and Yappy. The corresponding document was published on the federal portal of draft legislative acts, but was later deleted. Allegedly, the reason for its appearance was a technical problem, reported FEE.
Interview: Understanding the Implications of Roskomnadzor’s New Social Media Regulations
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments from Roskomnadzor regarding the regulation of social media networks. Can you explain the new procedures they have proposed?
Expert (E): Certainly! In September, Roskomnadzor introduced a procedure that requires social media platforms with over 10,000 subscribers to create and maintain a comprehensive list of user accounts. This list will not only include the user’s name and page index but also personal information such as surname, first name, patronymic, subscriber numbers, email addresses, and even the network addresses of their equipment.
TNE: That’s quite an expansive list of data. Why do you think Roskomnadzor has decided to implement these regulations now?
E: These regulations appear to be an attempt to increase oversight over social media, ensuring greater accountability and transparency from influencers and content creators. Given the rise of misinformation and the role of social media in shaping public discourse, it seems like a move to regulate content more effectively.
TNE: The document was published but later deleted due to a reported technical problem. What does this suggest about the process?
E: The deletion of the document raises questions about the stability and readiness of these proposed regulations. It could indicate that there may be internal disagreements or potential pushback from the platforms themselves or users who are concerned about privacy and data security.
TNE: Speaking of privacy, what are the potential implications of these new requirements for social media users, particularly influencers?
E: Influencers and users in the affected networks may find the regulations invasive. The collection of personal data could deter users from expressing themselves freely or sharing content on these platforms due to privacy concerns. Additionally, it may lead to a decline in the number of accounts as some users may choose to abandon their profiles rather than comply with these stringent measures.
TNE: Which social networks will be impacted by this regulation?
E: The proposed measures will affect a wide array of platforms including popular ones like TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, VTontakte, and Telegram, among others. This wide net indicates that Roskomnadzor is not targeting individual platforms but is aiming for a blanket approach across all major social networks.
TNE: For content creators and social media managers, what practical advice can you provide regarding this new landscape?
E: First and foremost, they should review their privacy and data-sharing practices. It’s essential to stay informed about these developments and vocal about concerns regarding user privacy. Additionally, diversifying content strategies and platforms could help mitigate the risks of being impacted by regulations that stifle creativity and reach. Moreover, engaging with legal counsel to understand the implications fully and how to comply without compromising user privacy will be crucial.
TNE: Thank you for shedding light on this complicated issue. Any final thoughts?
E: It’s vital for both users and platforms to be aware of these changes and advocate for privacy and transparency. Regulations like these not only affect content creators but ultimately shape the entire digital landscape. Continued dialogue between regulators, platforms, and users will be essential in striking a balance between safety and freedom of expression.
TNE: Thank you for your insights. We will keep a close eye on how these developments unfold in the coming months.
E: Thank you for having me!