LinkedIn Blocked in Russia

LinkedIn Blocked in Russia

November 11, 2016

The Global Network Initiative is deeply concerned that LinkedIn has been blocked in Russia. The blocking order from the Russian regulator was put into effect today.

The order follows a Moscow court ruling last week that LinkedIn had violated a 2014 law that requires companies with services available in Russia to store the data of Russian citizens on local servers.

The order prevents LinkedIn’s six million registered individual and company users in Russia from accessing the platform. The move also restricts the freedom of expression rights of millions, constrains the free flow of information, and creates a barrier to trade.

“The blocking of LinkedIn sets a disturbing precedent,” said GNI Independent Board Chair, Mark Stephens CBE.

“We are concerned that enforcement of Russia’s data localization law not only affects the free expression rights of Russian users but has serious global implications for the assertion by Russia – and other countries – of jurisdiction outside their national borders,” he said.

For more on the issue of government blocking and disruptions to internet services, please see the GNI and Telecommunications Industry Dialogue Joint Statement on Network and Service Shutdowns. GNI recently released a report, “The Economic Impact of Disruptions to Internet Connectivity,” highlighting the significant economic damage caused when governments around the world deliberately block or disrupt Internet services.