The Russian government supports a draft law to limit foreign ownership of major national IT companies to 50 percent minus one share, according to a parliamentary website, Reuters reported. Initial proposals had seen ownership capped at 20 percent.
Under the draft law, which if approved would go into effect from 1 January, companies not in compliance would not be allowed to promote themselves or others within Russia. The government letter, dated 18 October and published on the website for the legal acts disclosure, said the criteria of significant informational resources still has to be defined.
Proposal draws criticism
The proposal has drawn critics from several sides, including from the companies themselves. Critics say Russian authorities are looking to tighten control of the internet, threatening to stifle individual and corporate freedom. But the Kremlin says it is trying to protect the integrity of the internet’s domestic segment.
