Is TikTok banned in Russia?

TIKTOK is a video-sharing social media platform.

On Sunday, March 6, 2022, TikTok announced they were temporarily suspending some services in Russia.

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Is TikTok banned in Russia?

The TikTok Communications Team took to Twitter on Sunday to announce the platform is being put on hold across Russian servers.

“TikTok is an outlet for creativity and entertainment that can provide a source of relief and human connection during a time of war when people are facing immense tragedy and isolation,” the tweet began.

“However, the safety of our employees and our users remain our highest priority.”

The tweet continued: “In light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law.

“Our in-app messaging service will not be affected,” the team added.

TikTokComms concluded: “We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority.”

What is the Russia ‘fake news’ law?

In March of 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into effect a law punishing citizens for “disseminating false information and data about the use of Russia’s armed forces.”

Dubbed the ‘fake news’ law, those who are found guilty of spreading information differing from what the official Russian government releases may be met with a prison sentence of up to 15 years or fined up to 1.5million rubles.

In American money, 1.5million rubles comes out to around $14,000.

Reporting data on Russia’s military casualties not directly provided by the Russian Defense Ministry is also considered a violation of the new law.

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Since Russia officially entered Ukraine on February 24, 2022 – instigating a combat war – multiple blocks have been put on various social media websites.

The country has put a block on Facebook and restricted access to Twitter and BBC news sites.

In response, social media platforms are blocking various Russian channels from access to their websites.

YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have all barred RT and Sputnik; two Russian news outlets.