TikTok has announced the suspension of new content and live streaming over Russia’s fake news law.
According to a report, TikTok said in its statement that “in light of Russia’s fake news law, we have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content to our video service in Russia while we review the safety implications of this law.”
It added: “Our in-app messaging service will not be affected. We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority.”
While it’s pulling its service, TikTok also claimed that it wants to be a source for “creativity and entertainment that can provide a source of relief and human connection during a time of war when people are facing immense tragedy and isolation.”
The move by TikTok comes as numerous entertainment and other businesses are pulling out of Russia, most citing the Ukraine conflict. The BBC has also pulled out of Russia because of the “fake news” law.
The Russia’s fake news law goes after the dissemination of what is described as “fake” reports on the country’s armed services and its current conflict.
Russia has also blocked Facebook, according to the nation’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor. The Facebook ban comes because that service has taken down Russian media outlets such as RT and Sputnik. It claimed that 26 cases of discrimination against Russian media prompted its decision.