By Jennifer Ugwueke
President Vladimir Putin will force foreign IT firms to open offices on Russian soil in a fresh crackdown on “big tech” as he attempts to exert greater control over the internet.
Under new rules, technology companies will be obliged to create sites on Russian territory and could face penalties – such as advertising bans – for failing to comply.
Russia is keen to strengthen control of the internet and reduce its dependence on foreign companies and countries.
Moscow has fined IT firms for failing to delete content it says is illegal, slowing down the speed of Twitter as punishment, and on Wednesday opened a new case against Google for breaching personal data legislation.