Roskomnadzor demanded blocking Dozhd channels.
Roskomnadzor (the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media) has demanded that the Dozhd TV channel be blocked on YouTube, TikTok, and Telegram. The agency has sent notices to the complaints departments of these platforms, as well as to Dozhd's editorial office.
Roskomnadzor and Dozhd's YouTube channels
In the letter, Roskomnadzor stated that it had received a request from the Ministry of Justice regarding the editorial board's failure to comply with "foreign agent" legislation. The document also contains a demand to block access to Dozhd's YouTube projects "Drama Queens" and "Dozhd. Stories."
Editorial Appeal and VPN-Free Apps
"Under constant pressure, we report honestly and independently on what's happening in the country. If you're not in Russia, please share with your friends and family and support our work. Dozhd can't do it without your help.""," the channel's statement reads. The editors reminded the audience that Dozhd has mobile apps where they can watch broadcasts and read news without a VPN.
What measures have already been taken against Dozhd in Russia?
In Russia, a series of measures have already been applied to Dozhd. In 2021, the channel, followed by several journalists, were added to the list of "foreign agents." In 2023, the Prosecutor General's Office declared Dozhd and its affiliated entities "undesirable," banning their activities in Russia. Tikhon Dzyadko Sentenced in absentia to 8 years in prison for allegedly spreading fake news about the army.