Calls to Unblock Twitter in Russia Face Government Scrutiny
A member of Russia’s political landscape has urged Roskomnadzor, the media and telecommunications regulator, to review the ban on Twitter that began in March 2022 and to assess whether access should be restored. The appeal was reported by a major business daily, which cited the deputy’s letter to the parliamentary chamber on June 2. The request centers on verifying claims about information that Twitter is accused of distributing illegally and weighing the possibility of lifting restrictions on the platform.
The deputy argued that Twitter’s stance toward official Russian authorities and journalists has shifted. Accounts linked to government bodies and media outlets are no longer blocked and no longer appear in some search results. He attributed these changes to the new ownership of Twitter, led by American businessman Elon Musk, describing the move as a personal decision by the platform’s owner.
On June 2, a Roskomnadzor spokesperson told the press that the ministry had not yet received the deputy’s objection. The official also stated that there is currently no justification to unblock the social network.
Earlier, in April 2023, deputies from across the State Duma sent a joint appeal to the Attorney General requesting the unblocking of Twitter. The letter argued that if Twitter maintains neutrality in information dissemination, the platform could be justified as a channel to communicate Russia’s stance to Western audiences. Roskomnadzor previously said there was no basis to remove the block on Twitter.
Authorities have repeatedly weighed the balance between information access, security concerns, and the public interest in open discussion. Supporters of unblocking point to the value of broad communication channels, while opponents emphasize potential risks associated with online content and the spread of inaccurate or harmful material. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about how digital platforms should operate in an international information environment and the role of government regulation in shaping online discourse.
Observers note that the tension between access to information and regulatory control remains a live issue for policymakers. The outcome of any consideration to restore Twitter’s access would likely hinge on how the platform handles disinformation, moderation practices, and the channel’s utility for official communications with global audiences. Stakeholders across political groups continue to monitor developments and wait for formal actions or statements from Roskomnadzor or other authorities.