TikTok suspends live streaming, new content in Russia
TikTok, owned by the Chinese technology company ByteDance, announced on Sunday that it is immediately suspending live streaming and new content on its platform in Russia.
The video-focused social networking service said the move was in response to Russia's parliament passing a law governing what it called "fake news."
"TikTok is an outlet for creativity and entertainment that can provide a source of relief and human connection during a time of war when people are facing immense tragedy and isolation," TikTok said in a statement. "However, our highest priority is the safety of our employees and our users, and in light of Russia's new 'fake news' law, we have no choice but to suspend live streaming and new content to our video service in Russia while we review the safety implications of this law."
The company said its in-app messaging service will not be affected by the move.
"We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority," the company said.
On Friday, Russia's parliament amended Russia's criminal code to prohibit the spread of "fake" information and to punish violators with fines or jail terms of up to 15 years.
Russian leaders have previously accused the United States and its Western allies of sowing discord among the Russian people by using social media to disseminate false information about its conflict in Ukraine.
-ABC News' Christine Theodorou