Russia threatens to block Twitter in stand-off over banned content

The agency said Twitter has failed to remove more than 3,000 posts with banned content, including more than 2,500 encouraging suicide among minors. File Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Russian authorities have said they will block Twitter in a month if it does not take steps to remove banned content, escalating Moscow’s drawn-out stand-off with social media platforms that have played a major role in amplifying dissent in Russia.

The state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, last week announced it was slowing down the speed of uploading photos and videos to Twitter over its alleged failure to remove content encouraging suicide among children and information about drugs and child abuse images.