New Russian Law Could Ban 90% of Streaming Content in Push for “Traditional Values”

Russian lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would introduce tighter content oversight for online streaming platforms. The proposed changes, which passed their first reading in the State Duma , aim to ensure that digital cinema content aligns with what officials describe as “Russian values.”

Under the draft law, streaming services would be prohibited from showing films that do not have official distribution licenses—a requirement previously reserved for theatrical releases. The measure targets content that authorities consider “destructive” or out of step with national cultural standards.

Deputy head of the Duma Committee on Information Policy, Andrei Svintsov, told Izvestia that platforms could face fines or even temporary suspension if they fail to comply. In particular, he cited concerns over content that includes LGBTQ+ themes or what he described as “propaganda.” Such material would need to be flagged and submitted to the Ministry of Culture for review.

“The Ministry of Culture might say: this scene is unacceptable. Then [the platforms] re-edit and re-upload,” Svintsov said. He noted that during a proposed transition period, platforms would not be penalized for lacking certificates, although the duration of that grace period is still being debated. Currently, Svintsov estimated, 99% of streaming content does not hold a valid license.

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The legislation would also give the Ministry of Culture authority to request edits or cuts to scenes in both films and animated content. New productions, Svintsov added, would be subject to pre-release review by the ministry.

The potential impact on the industry could be sweeping. Streaming service Kinopoisk has warned that if the law is passed, up to 90% of existing content could be affected. Many series—which are not shown in cinemas and thus never required licensing—would be subject to removal while awaiting certification.

“If platforms are forced to withdraw nearly all their content at once and wait for approval, viewers will suddenly lose access to a huge number of films and series, including Russian ones,” the company said in a statement.

Similar restrictions applied only under Russia’s 2022 law banning “LGBTQ+ propaganda.” According to Roskomnadzor, the country’s media regulator, around 100 fines totaling over $560,000 in fines were issued by early 2024 for related violations.

Previously, it was reported that Russia’s proposed restrictions on so-called “child-free” content could lead to the removal or editing of globally popular titles like Game of Thrones and Harry Potter.

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