Authorities in Russia say they will block Twitter in a month if it doesn't take steps to remove banned content, a move that escalates the Russian government's drawn-out standoff with social media platforms that have played a major role in amplifying dissent in the country..
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Russia's state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor last week announced it was slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter over its alleged failure to remove content encouraging suicide among children and information about drugs and child pornography.
The agency said Twitter has failed to remove more than 3000 posts with banned content, including more than 2500 encouraging suicide among minors.
The platform responded by emphasising its policy of zero tolerance for child sexual exploitation, promotion of suicide and drug sales.
On Tuesday, deputy chief of Roskomnadzor Vadim Subbotin argued that Twitter still wasn't complying with the demands of the Russian authorities.
"Twitter doesn't react to our requests appropriately, and if things go on like this, then in a month it will be blocked, on an out-of-court basis," Subbotin told the Interfax news agency.
He added that Roskomnadzor at this point "is not registering specific steps by Twitter to remove prohibited content".
Twitter did not respond immediately to an email request for comment.
Authorities have criticised social media platforms that have been used to bring tens of thousands of people into the streets across Russia this year to demand the release of jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
The wave of demonstrations was the largest in years and posed a major challenge to the Kremlin.
The authorities alleged social media platforms failed to remove calls for children to join the protests. Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged police to act more to monitor social platforms and to track down those who "draw the children into illegal and unsanctioned street actions".
The government's efforts to tighten control of the internet and social media date back to 2012, when a law allowing authorities to blacklist and block certain online content was adopted.
Since then, a growing number of restrictions targeting messaging apps, websites and social media platforms have been introduced.
Australian Associated Press
