⚖️ Alexey Byrdin Explains the Growing Role of Lawyers in the Media Industry

Alexey Byrdin, CEO of the Internet Video Association, discussed the transformation of the media market, the risks of self-censorship, and ongoing dialogue with regulators. According to Byrdin, a comprehensive set of regulations concerning the defamation or denial of traditional values, which took effect on March 1, has created fundamentally new operating conditions for the editorial teams of online streaming platforms and television channels.

Since a distinct enforcement practice in this area has not yet been established, content producers are effectively navigating a minefield. Byrdin emphasized that without qualified legal support, creators of movies and TV series face not just fines, but the total loss of their investments due to the inability to monetize a blocked product. The expert identified obtaining a screening license from the Ministry of Culture as the primary risk-mitigation tool. Possessing a valid document from the Ministry of Culture is now synchronized with Roskomnadzor’s requirements and resolves most content-related grievances. Furthermore, the ministry demonstrates an openness to dialogue and a readiness to discuss reasoned rejections to allow for project revisions.

The head of the Internet Video Association also specifically addressed the rapid growth of generative content. Commenting on initiatives for the mandatory labeling of AI-generated videos, Byrdin proposed an alternative approach: labeling the “natural product” created entirely without the involvement of artificial intelligence. Given that the volume of AI generation will multiply exponentially over the coming years relative to traditional production, and the quality of the models will blur visual distinctions for the average viewer, a “made by a human” tag could become a unique mark of quality in the market—even though the quality of the storyline will ultimately remain the deciding factor for the mass consumer.