Roskomnadzor informed the owners of the Discord and Yappy platforms that they have entered Russia’s social network registry, a move confirmed on the ministry’s official site. This designation obliges platform operators to actively spot and block content that violates Russian law, as outlined in the 2021 law governing the self-regulation of social networks. In addition, these services are expected to provide a user-friendly tool that enables Russians to report illegal material, with this reporting feature integrated into their interfaces for easy access. The broader aim behind these requirements reflects a state policy trend: align online activity with national standards while preserving channels for civic reporting and public oversight.
Since 2021, Roskomnadzor has maintained a registry that originally listed around 15 services, including popular networks such as VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, and Twitter, among others. The criteria for inclusion focus on platforms where user-generated content spreads via personal pages and where advertisements target Russian consumers, with a threshold of daily traffic exceeding 500,000 Russian users. This framework helps the regulator identify platforms that could influence public discourse and consumer behavior within the country.
Officials from RKN note that the registry acts as a coordinating mechanism for content moderation across major social networks. Over time, interactions between Roskomnadzor and platform administrators have led to the removal of substantial amounts of prohibited material, including content involving child exploitation, self-harm, and illicit drug promotion. The ongoing effort highlights the balance the regulator seeks between protecting public welfare and ensuring that platforms maintain responsible user environments.
It is noteworthy that, despite ongoing discussions about access controls and compliance, universal blocking of all foreign AI-based services has not been implemented. Officials indicate a preference for enforcing local regulatory requirements while allowing certain services to operate under compliant conditions. This nuanced stance appears aimed at preserving functional digital ecosystems while affirming Russia’s content governance priorities.
Observ ers and industry commentators emphasize that the registry remains a dynamic instrument; as platforms evolve and user behavior shifts, the regulator may adjust inclusion criteria and enforcement measures. Stakeholders are advised to monitor official communications for updates on registration status, reporting tools, and the evolving list of compliant services. This ongoing process underscores the importance of transparent policy communications and collaboration between regulators and platform operators to maintain lawful, safe, and accessible online spaces for Russian users.