Among the latest news stories is the Russian ban on Instagram. Anti-war Russian influencers have been posting anti-war messages on Instagram, and the Russian president has invented a new app to replace it. Read on to find out more. We’ll also explain what Putin’s new invention is, and why it might be a good thing. The first step: block Instagram! Instagram is being blocked in Russia, but this doesn’t mean it will disappear overnight.
Russia’s ban on Instagram
A ban on Instagram has caused a stir in Russia, where the social media site is extremely popular and has almost 60 million users. In addition to attracting fans, Instagram is also a lucrative revenue stream for users, who post promotional content for companies and rake in money. Although a ban on Instagram could prevent these users from earning from their accounts, some Russian influencers are finding ways around the restrictions. One Russian influencer has suggested a new social media platform called “Rusogram” that would allow users to share information about their Instagram accounts and followers.
Russia’s state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has banned Instagram from access. The decision came after the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office filed a criminal case against the company Meta. The company, which owns Twitter and Instagram, also owns WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging application. Russians use these platforms, but they’re blocked from posting videos. Despite this, there are still other social media sites available in the country, including Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Instagram users have until March 14 to move their posts to other social networks. However, users will have a 48-hour transition period during which time they can continue using the service. Last week, Facebook was banned in Russia for more than a week, but Instagram wasn’t included. According to the parent company of Facebook, Meta Platforms Inc., Russian prosecutors labeled the social media platform as an “extremist organization.” The company has also changed its policies to allow free speech on Instagram, but it has yet to make an official statement.
Russian influencers’ anti-war instagram posts
Many Russian influencers have used Instagram to spread their anti-war messages. Their accounts typically include a blue checkmark and hundreds of thousands to millions of followers. Some of these influencers initially expressed opposition to the war against Ukraine and later changed their tone to embrace nationalist sentiments. For example, Yana Rudkovskaya shared a patriotic picture of her family on her profile in the early days of the invasion. This counter-reaction has been widely praised by Russians and has caused a lot of controversy.
In the last few weeks, several Russian social media influencers have shared parting messages with their fans. Although the Kremlin has banned the account, the influencers’ messages are still making waves. Many Russian small businesses have been affected by the Instagram ban. Similarly, some Russian charities are being cut off from the social media platform. This ban has also shut down some Russians who speak out against the war in Ukraine. One such Russian influencer, Kseniya Sobchak, publicly criticized the war in Ukraine and then left the country after posting the photo.
The Russian government is tightening its grip on social media. While western social media platforms have banned influencer content, many Russian users have continued to access these content. VPN services allow these users to access the content of their favorite influencers in Russia. These VPN services provide a secure encrypted connection, allowing users to hide their location from websites and advertisements. Also, pro-Kremlin domestic users use social media platforms to spread propaganda. TikTok is perhaps the worst, with a huge user base and minimal filtering.
Vladimir Putin’s new invention to replace Instagram
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the secondary effects of the invasion continue to bite Russia’s economy. To stem the loss of foreign investment, Vladimir Putin has been looking for new ways to replace Facebook and Instagram. The Russian government is convinced that these social media sites spread disinformation and are to blame for the Ukraine conflict. In response, the Russian government has introduced a new social media platform called Rossgram, which is a virtual clone of the popular social media site. Since this clone is already gaining popularity in Russia, this new social media platform may be the answer to Putin’s prayers.
