Russia announced this Friday that it restricted access to the social network Instagramwhich he accuses of spreading calls for violence against Russians, due to the conflict in Ukraine.
“Following the request of the General Prosecutor’s office, access to the Instagram social network … is restricted in Russia,” Russian telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor said in a statement.
Internet pages or applications with limited access are usually inaccessible in the country.
It is already the case of Facebook and Twitterwhich were affected by the same restriction after the start of the military operation in Ukraine on February 24.
Hours earlier, Russia announced that it would initiate legal action against Goalparent company of Facebook and Instagram, for having relaxed its rules on violent messages aimed at the Russian army and leaders.
The powerful Russian Investigative Committee indicated that it began its investigations “before illegal calls for the murder of Russians by collaborators of the American Meta society.”
Instagram is very popular among Russian youth and is also a crucial online sales tool for small and medium-sized Russian firms, as well as artists and creators.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern on Friday at Meta’s announcement to make exceptions to its rules regarding messages hostile to the Russian military and government.