Russia has threatened to block Twitter for a week, after it already reduced data speeds for the social media site, citing the platform's failure to remove illegal content.
If Twitter continues not to react to demands to take down illegal content, it could be blocked within the next month, Vadim Subbotin, deputy head of the Media oversight authority Roskomnadzor, said on Tuesday according to news agency TASS.
Russia accuses the US social media platform of ignoring around 3,100 requests filed since 2017 to remove illegal contents from its site, including child pornography or posts influencing minors to commit suicide.
Critics however believe the move is an attempt to encroach on the right to freedom of opinion on social media.
"Somehow we suddenly find ourselves in a country in which the internet is being blocked," said Kira Yarmish, spokesperson of jailed dissident Alexei Navalny, on Tuesday.
Hundreds of website have already been blocked in Russia, including those of government opponents.
A law went into effect in Russia a few weeks ago that requires operators of social networks to hunt down and remove forbidden content. Along with the content mentioned above, that would also include calls for people to attend protests conducted without the proper permits.
Social networks have been under attack in Russia in recent weeks because they have been used to urge people to attend demonstrations to support Alexei Navalny, an incarcerated opposition leader. Fines have been issued against Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Source: DPA
