Russia Asks TikTok to Lift Restrictions on Video Recording of Putin’s Speech

Russia’s state-owned news agency Sputnik reported on Thursday that The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media asked the management department of TikTok, a short video platform owned by ByteDance, to lift the restrictions on the video recording of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s speech and explain the reasons for introducing these restrictions.

According to the regulator, the management department of TikTok restricted foreign users from accessing the audio tracks of the above videos. Such behavior fundamentally violates the key principles of free dissemination and unhindered access to information.

Influenced by the latest “fake news” law passed by the Russian government only four days ago, TikTok has decided to suspend new video content and livestreaming services in the country. The company said that in-app messaging service will not be affected.

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