Russian Telecom Watchdog Gives Facebook, Twitter 30 Days To Report On Data Localization

Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor requested on Monday that tech giants Facebook and Twitter confirm whether or not they had localized Russian users' data, and said it would slap the companies with 5,000-ruble ($75) fines if they fail to do so within 30 days, Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky told Sputnik on Tuesday.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th December, 2018) Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor requested on Monday that tech giants Facebook and Twitter confirm whether or not they had localized Russian users' data, and said it would slap the companies with 5,000-ruble ($75) fines if they fail to do so within 30 days, Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky told Sputnik on Tuesday.

"Yesterday we sent both companies requests for information on whether their databases are localized in Russia. If it is not available within 30 days, we will have grounds for initiating an administrative case under Article 19.7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses," Ampelonsky said.

He clarified that this administrative violation entailed a fine of 5,000 rubles.

In mid-September, Roskomnadzor head Alexander Zharov said that Twitter had sent a letter to the watchdog stating that in the second half of 2018, the company would localize the data of Russian users on the territory of Russia.

On September 1, 2015, Russia amended its law on personal data protection, requiring foreign companies operating in Russia to localize the data of the Russian users to its territory. The rule applies both to Russian and foreign companies. The legislation empowers Roskomnadzor to ban the companies in the event they fail to comply with the legal norms.

In November 2016, US-based professional networking website LinkedIn was blocked by Russian internet providers after website failed to adhere with these norms.