Russia: Taking Big Tech to Court and Maybe Penal Colony No. 2
March 16, 2021
Vladimir Putin’s power is considerable. There are the government entities and the informal entities. Both can be used to interesting effect. “Russia Sues Google, Twitter, Facebook for Not Helping to Suppress Anti-Putin Protests” explains:
Russian authorities have filed lawsuits against five of the world’s biggest social-media platforms for allegedly refusing to pull down users’ posts that urged people to join nationwide anti-Putin protests earlier this year.
What firms are in the Russian legal systems’ smart targeting system? Superstars include Twitter, Google, Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram. Telegram allegedly worked a deal with regard to encrypted messages, but that may be put aside. Some at Telegram may have family in Russia, and these individuals — if they are in the rodina — may have some interesting opportunities to meet Russian officials soon. Facebook, Google, and Twitter may ignore the legal annoyances. These firms have to worry about other issues. Google has to deal with some staffing issues. Facebook is busy explaining that it is not a monopoly to US legal eagles. And, Twitter? Yes, a PR blitz, new services, and suddenly astir digital guru. That’s an interesting problem for some. TikTok is Chinese. And with China and Russia becoming pals and planning a holiday near the moon, TikTok may just be redirected using bureaucratic tools employed to fix up Hong Kong elections.
Alleged image of a “typical” Russian Penal Colony No. 2.
The companies each have three cases against them, according to the news agency, with each case punishable by a fine of up to 4 million rubles, or around $54,000.
If found guilty, I would suggest that employees of these firms put off their vacation in Sochi. If slammed into Penal Colony No. 2, the executives of the offending firms would have a chance to meet some interesting people. Tattoos to commemorate the user experience are available as well. Internet service is spotty from what I have heard.
Stephen E Arnold, March 16, 2021
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