Roskomnadzor recently expanded its blocklist by adding five book platforms to the roster of restricted information. The official announcements from the ministry highlighted the role of these sites in disseminating content deemed to be misinformation about military actions, as well as material considered to promote LGBT propaganda and activities opposing the Russian government or its armed forces.
The platforms named are babook.org, Freedomletters.org, ruslania.com, bookamaro.com and goodreads.com. In its explanation, the regulator stated that these services host works that contain what it characterizes as fake news about SVO operations, materials that promote LGBT propaganda, and content aimed at destabilizing Russia’s political environment. The authorities also claimed that the material sought to tarnish the reputation of government officials and the actions of the Russian Armed Forces.
Officials noted that some of the works on these sites were published without proper labeling as being produced by foreign agents. The regulator further explained that a portion of the banned services were founded by Russian expatriates, while others are owned by foreign entities. The implication is a broader effort to control information sources that circulate content the state finds objectionable.
RKN warned resource owners that failure to comply with its directives would result in further restrictions on access to those sites within the territory of the Russian Federation. The message underscored the government’s willingness to enforce censorship measures by narrowing or blocking online access to specified platforms.
Earlier actions included the temporary blocking of a Fan Fiction Book website accused of LGBT propaganda, as well as other incidents where platforms faced penalties for not adhering to regulatory orders.
There have also been financial penalties connected to noncompliance with RKN orders, including previous fines imposed on major social and content platforms for their handling of information in line with the regulator’s mandates. The pattern suggests a continuing effort to shape the information landscape and manage what is accessible to readers inside Russia.