Russia to Ban Ads on Blocked Apps

Russia is moving forward with legislation that would prohibit advertising on social media platforms that are blocked within the country. This step signals a deeper crackdown on foreign tech companies and the content accessible to Russian users online.

The proposed bill, which has already passed its first reading in the State Duma (Russia's lower house of parliament), targets platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), which have been blocked in Russia since the start of the conflict with Ukraine. The ban aims to restrict any form of monetization or promotion through these platforms, whether by domestic or foreign advertisers.

According to Russian lawmakers, allowing advertising on banned platforms contradicts the country’s sovereignty and national information security. They argue that supporting these companies financially—through ads—means indirectly supporting platforms that promote anti-Russian narratives or refuse to comply with Russian content laws.

Once passed, the law will make it illegal for Russian businesses and individuals to place ads on any platform listed as "restricted" by Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal agency for media and telecommunications oversight. Advertisers who violate this rule may face penalties including hefty fines or even a temporary suspension of their business licenses.

The move is part of a broader trend by the Russian government to tighten its grip on the internet and social media. Since the beginning of 2022, Russia has intensified efforts to promote its own digital sovereignty. This includes launching domestic alternatives to major Western platforms and pushing for data localization laws that force foreign tech companies to store Russian user data within the country.

Social media giants like Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) have already been labeled as “extremist organizations” by Russian courts. Although individual users in Russia can still access some of these platforms using VPNs, official access has been blocked.

The ad ban would also affect influencers and content creators who still manage to earn revenue through collaborations or promotions on these blocked platforms. Many of them have migrated to Russian platforms such as VKontakte (VK) or Telegram, which are fully operational and government-approved.

Critics argue that the move limits freedom of speech and the ability of Russian citizens to engage with global audiences. Moreover, businesses that relied on social platforms for reaching customers might struggle to find equally effective advertising alternatives.

Proponents, however, maintain that the law is a necessary step toward digital independence and national security. They argue that it will encourage domestic innovation and support local platforms, reducing reliance on Western technology giants.

As the bill moves through its final readings in the Duma, tech analysts and digital marketers are closely watching its progress. If implemented, the ad ban will likely reshape Russia’s online advertising landscape significantly and push more brands toward state-approved platforms.

This development adds to the growing list of digital restrictions in Russia, drawing both domestic and international scrutiny.

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