Russian Bloggers Forced to Spread Propaganda, Claims Countering Disinformation Center

Russian Federation Moves to Require Bloggers to Spread State-Approved Advertising

The Federation Council of the Russian Federation has introduced legislation that would compel popular bloggers and social media influencers to disseminate state propaganda through their channels, according to a report from the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.

The proposed law would mandate that owners of large public channels and accounts on social networks place government-approved advertising content, effectively turning private digital platforms into vehicles for state messaging.

“This initiative is another step towards establishing full Kremlin control over social networks and bloggers in the Russian Federation,” the CCD stated. “Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Russian authorities have systematically involved bloggers in publicly justifying the so-called ‘SVO’ and promoting propaganda narratives.”

The CCD further noted that content creators who refuse to comply with these demands face severe consequences, including potential prison sentences for what Russian authorities label as spreading “fakes about the Russian armed forces.” This approach represents an escalation in the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to control information flow within Russia’s digital space.

This legislative proposal comes amid a broader crackdown on independent media and free expression in Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The Russian government has already blocked numerous independent news outlets, restricted access to social media platforms, and implemented laws that criminalize criticism of military operations.

Media experts view this development as part of Russia’s evolving information warfare strategy. By co-opting popular bloggers and influencers, the government can distribute propaganda through channels that may appear more authentic and relatable to everyday citizens than traditional state media.

The digital influence landscape in Russia remains significant despite restrictions on Western platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Domestic platforms such as VKontakte and Telegram host numerous influencers with millions of followers, making them valuable channels for government messaging.

In parallel developments, the CCD reported that Russian media outlets are actively promoting a publication titled “Black Book on the Crimes of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis in Donbas,” published by the Russian Military Historical Society. This publication appears to be part of the broader narrative framework that Russian state media has constructed around the conflict in Ukraine.

The CCD has previously warned about systematic distortion of reality in Kremlin propaganda regarding peace talks, highlighting how information manipulation serves as a crucial component of Russia’s approach to the ongoing conflict.

Since 2022, the Russian government has intensified legal penalties for “discrediting” the armed forces or spreading “false information” about military operations. These laws have already resulted in numerous prosecutions and have created a climate of self-censorship among content creators.

Media freedom organizations have expressed concern that this latest initiative represents a dangerous precedent that could be adopted by other authoritarian regimes seeking to control digital discourse. By legally mandating propaganda distribution through seemingly independent channels, governments can create the illusion of widespread support for state policies while suppressing genuine public discourse.

As digital platforms continue to serve as primary information sources for many Russians, especially younger demographics, the struggle for control over these spaces has become increasingly central to the Kremlin’s information strategy.