Russia demands large tech companies set up local offices by 2022

Russia is getting serious about the demand that foreign technology companies set up stores on their borders. Reuters said the telecommunications regulator of the Roskomnadzor state has requested 13 foreign companies and mostly Americans to launch the official Russian presence in 2022 so that they can comply with the laws that apply July 1. This list includes the names of known technologies such as Apple, Google, Meta (Facebook), Telegram, Tiktok and Twitter.

Laws demand local offices for “internet companies” with more than 500,000 users every day. However, some companies already have offices, and it is not clear just what is the official presence. Those who are considered to violate the law can be subject to complete prohibitions or restrictions on their advertisements, data collection and money transfer.

As you might have expected, the worries are that Russia can use the law to use more control over these companies and their content. Russia has clashed with Apple several times, for example, including fines for allegedly abusing the dominance of the App Store – this law may provide more leverage officials. This step might also help Russia pressure the company into government sensor content that is considered unpleasant, such as social media posts that support political opposition to the Putin regime.

The announcement made a difficult situation that was much more difficult. Russia is a significant market some companies are not always able to lose but respect demand can also mean allowing sensors and other rights violations. The company may have to immediately make a painful decision regardless of the results.