Russian communications regulators ordered public access be denied to the website LinkedIn following a court ruling that found the social network firm in violation of a data storage law. Many believe this move to be an affirmation of censorship and control rather than data protection.
Internet providers in Russia have begun the process of blocking the site denying over six million registered users access. This leads critics to consider the possibility of an attack on social networks in a country which has tightened and increased control over the Internet.
The law in Russia dictates websites that store personal data of Russian citizens do so on Russian servers. Communications regulation bureau Roskomnadzor was noted stating LinkedIn had not complied hence the ban, Reuters reported.
This law was approved by President Vladimir Putin in 2014 and passed during September last year.
Analysis by BBC correspondents in Moscow indicated that social network users in Russia are concerned that blocking LinkedIn was only the first step in a censorship campaign. They fear that Facebook and Twitter will be the next targets. However, the Kremlin stated that public concerns are premature and that there's nothing to worry about.
It was also reported that a vivid cartoon was in circulation voicing concerns. It depicts the Grim Reaper, bearing the logo of Russia's communications regulator, heading for a door with the Facebook logo, having left a trail of blood from attacks on other sites.
Social media is a powerful tool to organize opposition protests in Russia. Also, with state control increasing over traditional media, such sites are a lifeline for the citizens as a source of alternative information.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov assured the people that Roskomnadzor was acting strictly in accordance with Russian law. He went on stating that Putin had no intention of interfering in the case.
