TikTok will not allow users in Russia to upload videos due to ‘fake news law’

TikTok users in Russia will no longer be able to livestream or upload videos. The service says it is turning off those features due to new “laws against fake news” in the country. Users can still message each other.

TikTok wants to ‘assess the law’s security implications’ and while it’s doing that, users can no video livestreaming or uploading† Russia recently passed a law that makes spreading “false information” about the war in Ukraine, or expressing support for sanctions against Russia, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Mentioning war or invasion in the context of Ukraine is seen as ‘fake news’ by the regime in Russia.

TikTok is still available in Russia and users can still send and receive messages. “We will continue to evaluate the changing circumstances to determine when we can fully resume our services, with safety as a top priority,” the agency wrote. The service also refers to a page with an explanation about combating disinformation about the war in Ukraine.

Other social media such as Facebook and Twitter have been blocked by Russia itself. In addition, many tech giants have ceased services in the country or stopped selling hardware. On Sunday, Netflix also announced it would stop offering its services in Russia. Earlier, the service said it did not agree with Russian legislation that requires airtime for Russian state channels.