TikTok suspends live streaming in Russia citing new fake news law

Chinese video-sharing app TikTok has suspended live streaming and new content for video services in Russia after the introduction of a new “fake news” law in the country that threatened jail sentences of up to 15 years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a federal law that criminalizes the spread of disinformation about the Russian armed forces, their defamation and calls for sanctions against Russia.

Global news outlets, including CNN and BBC, said they are suspending their activities to protect their journalists from the new law.

“However, our top priority is the safety of our employees and our users, and in light of the new Russian ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content for our video service in Russia while we security implications of this law,” the streaming app said in a statement.

The company said they will continue to evaluate the changing conditions in Russia to determine when we can fully resume services with safety as our top priority.

“Our in-app messaging service will not be affected. We will continue to evaluate the changing conditions in Russia to determine when we can fully resume our services with security as our top priority,” the statement added.

Earlier, the Kremlin had said Putin has signed a federal law that extends sanctions for violating the rights of Russian citizens to all foreigners and stateless persons.

“Federal law determines criminal liability for public dissemination under the guise of reliable reports of knowingly false information about the use of Russian armed forces for the purpose of protecting the interests of Russia and its citizens and maintaining international peace and security.” , says the Kremlin statement. †

(Only the headline and image of this report may have been reworked by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content was automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)

Dear reader,

Business Standard has always strived to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that matter to you and that have broader political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how we can improve our offering has only strengthened our determination and commitment to these ideals. Even during these difficult times arising from Covid-19, we remain committed to keeping you informed and informed with credible news, authoritative views and astute commentary on current issues of concern.
However, we have a request.

As we fight the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more so we can continue to bring you more quality content. Our subscription model has received an encouraging response from many of you who have subscribed to our online content. More subscriptions to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of bringing you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us put into practice the journalism we’re committed to.

Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard†

digital editor