TikTok stops uploading videos and livestreaming from Russia, following Russia's 'fake news law'

On March 4, 2022, the Russian House of Representatives 'imposed a maximum of 15 years' imprisonment or a fine of 1.5 million rubles (about 1.6 million yen) for those who posted on SNS what was considered to be false information regarding the invasion of Ukraine.' We have approved the 'Fake News Law' that stipulates that. TikTok has stopped uploading and livestreaming new videos in Russia because of its compliance with this fake news law.

2 / 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.

— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) March 6, 2022

Bringing more context to content on TikTok | TikTok Newsroom
https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/bringing-more-context-to-content-on-tiktok


TikTok temporarily bans new video creation in Russia --The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/6/22964418/tiktok-suspends-creation-new-video-content-russia-ukraine

The Fake News Act is a law established for the purpose of 'controlling fake news', but in reality it is 'dissemination of obvious false information disguised as reliable information on the actions of the Russian army' and 'suspension of military action in public'. It prohibits activities that call for or damage the reputation and trust of the military, and there is a view that it is actually a strong information control by the Russian government.

Russia is sentenced to imprisonment if regarded as fake news Western media coverage suspended [Ukraine situation]: Asahi Shimbun Digital
https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASQ356J15Q35IIPE00N.html

In response, TikTok announced on March 5th, entitled 'Corresponding to False Information,' 'We are strengthening our security and security measures to encourage people to express themselves and share their experiences. We strive to provide support and reduce risk. '' We operate a combination of technology and teams that speak more than 60 languages and dialects, including Russian and Ukrainian, to protect our platform. I will continue to do it. ' He also reiterated that the Community Guidelines prohibit content that includes harmful information, malicious behavior, or the promotion of violence.

However, on March 6th, TikTok said on Twitter, 'Our top priority is employee and user safety, and in light of Russia's new fake news law, while considering the impact of this law, new content I have to stop posting and livestreaming. ' In-app messaging services will not be affected.

'We will continue to assess the situation in Russia and determine when we can fully resume service with safety as our top priority,' said TikTok.