Russia Intensifies Blocking of Pirate Site Mirrors

Russia actively combats illegal website copies distributing unlicensed content through systematic blocking measures.

These websites are now classified as "copies of blocked sites that repeatedly and unlawfully distributed copyrighted and related rights content." Rights holders and government authorities can request blocking of mirrors through Roskomnadzor, Russia's telecom regulator.

A significant decision was made to reject the Ministry of Culture's proposal to independently block information resources based on copyright holder complaints. The Ministry wanted to handle complaints directly from rights holders, but this approach lacked legal grounding from the Russian government and Roskomnadzor's legal department.

Additionally, applicable law requires all links to such resources be removed from search results. The blocking mechanism operates as follows: once Roskomnadzor receives notice from a rights holder or authorities about detected copies of previously blocked pirate sites, the Communications Ministry reviews it within 24 hours. It then forwards its conclusion to Roskomnadzor and notifies the resource owner. Internet service providers must then restrict access to the pirate site copy within 24 hours. Critics argue that vague wording could result in legitimate resources being blocked. This position was supported by representatives from Yandex and members of the Russian Association of Electronic Communications.

Amid website blocking efforts targeting illegal content, Russian President Vladimir Putin granted bailiffs authority to demand website blocking and restrict access to information damaging the reputation of Russian citizens, companies, or state organizations. The full text of the document is available on the official legal information portal.

Any Russian citizen has the right to request removal of defamatory information. If the website owner refuses to comply, a bailiff can then legally demand that Roskomnadzor block access to the site.

The legislation was introduced by United Russia party deputies led by Vasily Piskarev, who chairs the Security Committee. The law was approved by the Federation Council on April 18, 2018. It aims to protect individuals whose honor, dignity, or reputation have been harmed by the distribution of false information.