TikTok suspends all Livestreaming and Content Sharing in Russia

TikTok has stopped all live streaming and content sharing in Russia in response to Russia's "fake news" law passed on Friday, a new policy that threatens imprisonment for sharing what authorities consider false information.

TikTok made the announcement on its website. The company said that its highest priority is the safety of its employees and users and in light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, the company has no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content on its platform in Russia. 

TikTok said does not know when it plans to resume video sharing in the country, but will continue to evaluate according to the circumstances in Russia to resume its services in the country, with safety as its top priority.

TikTok announced earlier this week that the platform has dedicated significant resources to developing and enforcing new protective measures designed to fight against misinformation.

This decision was made after several media organizations such as the BBC, CNN and Bloomberg suspended services in Russia in response to a crackdown on the free press. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, reporters could face up to 15 years if they share what they call Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "war" or if they share articles that authorities consider "false".