Russia Requires Local Representation of Major Tech Companies

Tech giants should soon open a local office or designate a legal entity in Russia. A new law requiring this has been passed.

The law mainly applies to large American tech companies, according to a list published by the Russian telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor.

The list currently includes Google, Apple, Meta (the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram), Twitter, TikTok, Telegram, Zoom Video Communications, Likeme, Viber, Discord, Pinterest, Spotify and Twitch.

From next year, these companies will be obliged to provide a digital form with which Russian users can submit feedback. They must also open a local office or designate a legal entity.

Another obligation is an account on the Roskomnadzor website, through which the Russian authorities can contact the companies. The new legislation will come into effect on January 1, 2022.