The National Council for Electronic Media (NEPLP) has expanded the list of blocked Russian internet resources in Latvia. This time, the restrictions affected not only news and regional websites but also several popular book platforms and online stores.
The National Council for Electronic Media (NEPLP) has restricted access to another ten internet resources that, according to government assessments, disseminate Russian propaganda.
According to the published decision, access is closed to the websites "1rodina.ru", "360.ru", "gtrksmolensk.ru", "mk-smolensk.ru", "author.today", "litgid.com", "domknigi.eu", "biblio-globus.ru", "progorod76.ru", and "gazeta-n1.ru".
The NEPLP reported that it received information from competent government institutions about the dissemination of one-sided information regarding Russia's war against Ukraine, materials supporting the Russian military, as well as content that fosters a positive attitude towards Russia's actions.
A notable feature of the new list is that among the blocked resources are not only news portals and regional media. The restrictions also affected the literary platform Author.Today, the book portal Litgid, the online bookstore Domknigi, and the website of the book chain Biblio-Globus.
This means that the blockages have impacted not only informational resources but also some platforms related to the dissemination of literature and book trade.
The decision was made not because of the sale of books per se, but due to the overall assessment of the content posted on these internet resources. According to Latvian authorities, the information contained there promotes Russian state narratives. The council believes that such materials may negatively influence Latvia's information space, social cohesion, and support for Ukraine.
The NEPLP also points to the possible impact of such content on interethnic relations and the perception of democratic values.
Previously, the regulator had repeatedly made decisions to block Russian television channels, news websites, and other internet resources that government authorities associate with the dissemination of propaganda and disinformation.
The list of blocked resources continues to expand as new websites and platforms are assessed.
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