Russia won’t block gambling ads on YouTube

The government has admitted it can’t enforce its advertising rules on internationally-based online portals such as YouTube.

Russia.- Gambling advertising videos will continue to pop up before YouTube videos at Russians’ computers as the country’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has recognised its advertising rules don’t apply to internationally-based websites. According to the government, only Russian domains (.ru, .su and .рф) can be regulated under its Law and YouTube is beyond reach.

The Internet Video Association (IVA) had complained about Russian-language videos promoting casinos on the online video hub but have been cut short as legislation can’t reach YouTube. Nonetheless, the FAS said it will submit a “request” to the website in order to prevent prohibited services to be advertised in Russia.

In addition to FAS’ request, telecom watchdog Roskomnadzor has recently announced it has blocked over 250 “pirate online cinemas and torrent trackers” which used “illegal online casino ads and bookmakers.” The body has been branded as “ineffective” censorship-wise but still bans over 1,500 gambling-related websites and has received over 86,000 complaints to block others during the first quarter.