🙈 Online Cinemas Are Introducing Mass Self-Censorship
Ahead of the law banning films that discredit traditional values, which comes into force on March 1, 2026, Russian online cinemas have begun mass self-censorship of their content.
Erotic scenes are being removed from older releases, intimate body parts are blurred, and scenes featuring tobacco or alcohol are also being edited out.
The wave of self-censorship is driven by vague and ambiguous wording in current legislation and by fears of fines from Roskomnadzor.
Valery Fadeyev, head of the Human Rights Council, criticized the “foolishness” and inconsistency of censorship — pointing to cases where cigarettes are blurred even though smoke remains visible.
Starting March 1, 2026, the Ministry of Culture will have the authority to deny or revoke distribution certificates (DCs) for streaming platforms. Market participants consider it strange to impose claims against content that already holds a valid certificate.
Experts warn that widespread self-censorship may push users toward domestic video-hosting platforms and social networks, where uncensored versions are still being uploaded.
