Russia To U.S. Social Media Sites: Block 'Extremist' Content, Share More Information

The head of Russia's media watchdog confirmed it sent letters to Google Inc GOOG GOOGL, Facebook Inc FB and Twitter Inc TWTR demanding the social media sites take immediate action to block content deemed extremist in Russia.

"Letters of this kind have become standard practice in our communication with foreign Internet companies," Vadim Ampelonsky, a spokesman for the head of the Roskomnadzor [Federal Service for Supervision of Communications] watchdog was quoted as saying by The Moscow Times. "Usually the dispatch of such letters brings about certain progress in communication."

Alexander Zharov, head of the Roskomnadzor stated that the U.S. social media sites are committing "lawless actions" by hosting content on their site calling for "mass unrest [or] carrying out extremist activities" in addition to invites to attend unauthorized rallies.

"We hope that in this case the companies will respond and fulfill the demands that have repeatedly been presented to them," Zharov further said.

Zharov also demanded that the social media company's provide information about the number of visitors to specific pages. This is due to a Russian law that requires individuals with social media accounts that receive more than 3,000 visitors per day to register themselves as part of the mass media.

The Moscow Times further added that most Russian mass media sites remain under the state control. As such, opposition leaders have turned to social media to communicate with their followers, voice their opinions and organize rallies and protests.

The Russian government has sought to control political dissent in the country, The Moscow Times added.