Russia tightens control over social media, forcing bloggers to spread state propaganda
Illustrative photo: the Kremlin expands the role of propaganda (Getty Images)
Russia’s Council is preparing legislation that would require bloggers to distribute state propaganda advertising, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
A draft law in Russia would require bloggers and major online platforms to carry mandatory propaganda content, allocating at least 5% of all advertising space to messaging promoting so-called "traditional values," "patriotism," and "culture."
Under the proposal, all owners of large public channels and social media accounts would be obliged to place such content. The CCD described the initiative as another step toward comprehensive Kremlin control over social media and bloggers inside Russia.
The Center noted that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, authorities have systematically co-opted bloggers to publicly justify the war and amplify state narratives. Those who refuse to cooperate, the CCD warned, face penalties up to real prison terms under laws criminalizing the spread of so-called "fake news" about Russia’s armed forces.
Propaganda and information control
Control measures are also tightening in Crimea, where internet access can be cut without notice. According to Ukrainian officials, security services push for shutdowns during "inconvenient periods," such as shelling, high-profile incidents, or spikes in public discontent. Mobile internet is viewed as a risk due to its role in rapid self-organization, documenting abuses, and spreading unofficial information.
The CCD has also flagged ongoing disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting Ukrainian troops, including AI-generated videos and fabricated crime stories falsely attributed to Ukrainian servicemembers, as well as fake TikTok clips alleging "mass surrenders" near Pokrovsk.
