Russian media watchdog restricts access to Instagram in country

The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Information Technologies and Mass Communications decided to restrict access to Instagram in view of calls spread for violence against Russians, including servicemen, the watchdog said on its website on Friday.

“By virtue of the requirement of the Russian Office of General Prosecutor, access to Instagram social media (owned by Meta Platforms, Inc.) will be limited on the territory of the Russian Federation,” the regulator said.

Information materials calling for violence against Russian citizens, including servicemen, are disseminated in the social network now, the watchdog noted.

The Russian Office of Prosecutor General earlier demand recognizing Meta Platforms Inc. as an extremist organization and ban its operations in Russia. Papers were sent to the Investigative Committee to solve the issue with criminal prosecution.

TASS