In a series of tweets, TikTok confirmed that while users in the country would be able to access older content, new uploads would be unavailable for the time being. Older content made by users outside Russia would also be unavailable to stream.
Russia has already blocked Facebook and Twitter after they restricted the country’s state-backed media on their platforms for spreading propaganda related to the war in Ukraine.
The country recently passed new legislation - quickly rubber-stamped by both houses of the Kremlin-controlled parliament - that imposes prison sentences of up to 15 years for those spreading information that goes against the Russian government’s preferred narrative on the war in Ukraine.
“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. However, the safety of our employees and our users remain our highest...