INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The crackdown on social media in Russia has accelerated since President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine on Feb
Facebook and Twitter have been inaccessible in Russia since early March, and Instagram was blocked in the country a week ago.As part of this
campaign to block social media, on Monday a Russian court banned Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp, as
10 that the platforms would allow statements like "death to Russian invaders" but not supposedly credible threats against civilians.What is
religious discord, such as the use of Nazi attributes or symbols, and so on.Can regular Russians use Facebook and Instagram?It is unclear
for now whether social media users will be punished if they continue to use Instagram and Facebook.From a legal standpoint, any user might
be considered a member of an extremist organization, which is punishable by up to six years in prison
at least one human rights lawyer disagrees
Pavel Chikov said neither the court nor the prosecutor could guarantee the safety of Facebook or Instagram users since they can also be
prosecuted for displaying Meta symbols
This could become grounds for administrative charges and up to 15 days in jail.What are Russian social media posters forbidden from
doing?Starting March 21 Russian users cannot buy advertisements on Instagram and Facebook
This could be considered financing an extremist organization and would be punishable by a fine of almost $3,000 or eight years in
manner.Additionally, Russian users also cannot show social media logos anywhere, including on their old posts, said civil rights Net Freedom
Anyone posting links to their Instagram and Facebook accounts could be accused of a public demonstration of extremist symbols which could
Facebook.What else is punishable?In theory, Russian authorities can prosecute employees of Meta Platforms Inc
case of Meta authorities can put a person on the international wanted list
expanded the list to include Jehovah's Witnesses and jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation.Many Russians are
afraid that using Facebook, Instagram, or working for them could lead to the kinds of jail terms many former Navalny associates faced
disposition of the criminal article also allows for such a development
