Roskomnadzor has signaled it is prepared to consider blocking Twitch in Russia, either in full or partially. This stance was conveyed by Evgeny Zaitsev, head of the department responsible for electronic communications oversight within Roskomnadzor. The statement was reported by DEA News.
Zaitsev explained that recent discussions about Twitch have touched on the possibility of taking stronger measures against the platform. He emphasized that any such action would require careful consideration and a thorough assessment of the potential consequences for Russian bloggers who rely on Twitch for their audiences and livelihoods. The goal, he noted, would be to balance security and social considerations with the rights and activities of creators who use the service.
During a roundtable hosted by the Russian Civic Chamber on the topic of illegal advertising by bloggers and its impact on society, Zaitsev mentioned that Twitch has accumulated about 21 million rubles in administrative liability. Vadim Subbotin, the vice president of Roskomnadzor, added that the agency does not maintain a direct operational connection with Twitch or with the Discord messaging platform.
Twitch remains a widely used platform among Russian streamers who broadcast gaming sessions and related content. Creators also engage with viewers through cooking streams, discussions about films and television shows, conversations on diverse topics, and live street commentary. The platform’s popularity in Russia reflects a broader interest in live broadcasting and audience interaction that has grown in recent years.
A separate case earlier this year saw Moscow courts imposing a fine on Twitch for airing an interview with Oleksiy Arestovich, a former adviser to Ukraine’s presidential administration. The court’s decision, totaling 4 million rubles, underscored the regulatory environment surrounding broadcasts on international platforms and the scrutiny faced by streaming services operating in Russia. The ruling was reported by DEA News and highlights ongoing tensions between content policies, platform moderation, and national legal standards.
Industry observers note that any move to block or restrict access to Twitch would have ripple effects beyond the service itself. Content creators who rely on live streaming to reach audiences, advertisers seeking engagement with gaming communities, and viewers who depend on Twitch for entertainment and information could all be affected. Regulators would need to weigh concerns about illegal advertising, user safety, and freedom of expression against the practical realities of how creators monetize and distribute content online. The discussion around Twitch is part of a broader conversation about the role of global streaming platforms in Russia and the responsibilities they carry in terms of compliance, transparency, and regional regulations.
In this evolving landscape, the Russian authorities have underscored that enforcement actions would not be taken lightly. The potential for blocking or restricting access would involve assessing risk to a large community of online personalities who have built audiences across regions and time zones. Stakeholders in the streaming ecosystem—creators, viewers, platform operators, and regulators—are watching closely as policy positions develop and as technical and legal frameworks adapt to a rapidly changing digital environment.
The case underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding consumers and supporting a vibrant digital culture online. It also highlights how regulatory decisions in one country can influence the strategies of international platforms and the behavior of local content creators who must navigate a complex set of rules and expectations. As conversations continue, analysts anticipate more detailed assessments from Roskomnadzor about which measures would be most appropriate, how they would be implemented, and what safeguards would be put in place to minimize unintended harm to legitimate creators and audiences.