Russia Requires Amazon Web Services And Other Foreign Technology Companies To Open Local Offices

Roskomnadzor, Russia's state communications regulator, has added Amazon Web Services and 11 other foreign technology companies to the list of companies required to open local offices in Russia or face sanctions and possible bans.

In 2021, Russia demands that 13 companies, most US technology companies such as Alphabet's Google, Meta Platforms' Facebook, Apple, and Twitter, have official representatives in Russia by the end of the year or face restrictions on advertising, data collection, or money transfers.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine then exacerbated Russia's dispute with Big Tech, which eventually caused Twitter, Facebook, and other companies to be banned from operating on the Russian market.

However, despite the initial threat, many registered web services remain operational and available, such as YouTube, Wikipedia, Telegram, and Zoom.

Amazon Web Services and 11 other companies, mostly hosting sites, were added on Thursday, June 22, as the website Roskomnadzor shows.

It is not yet clear what this addition means for Amazon and other companies. Amazon has not yet responded to requests for comment.