Russia blocks SoundCloud for ‘spreading false information’

Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor has blocked access to the online audio platform SoundCloud in Russia. According to the regulator, “false information about the special military operation in Ukraine” is being distributed via SoundCloud.

Access to the service is said to have been blocked at the insistence of the Public Prosecution Service in Russia, writes Reuters on the basis of the Russian news agency Interfax. The information distributed via SoundCloud “detailed the form and methods of warfare in the special operation, including attacks on civilians, attacks on civilian infrastructure and numerous civilian casualties at the hands of Russian soldiers.”

SoundCloud is not the only service that has been blocked or restricted since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, Russia blocked Facebook, Instagram and Google News, among others. At the same time, more and more Russian services and apps are being banned in the west. For example, Apple has removed all apps from the Russian social media company VK from the App Store worldwide and the websites of news organizations RT and Sputnik have been blocked in the EU.