Russia is one of the world’s largest and most dynamic online markets, with over 84 million Internet users and a 10% annual growth rate. However, recent changes in Russian law and policy have sparked concern among online and e-commerce businesses and website operators that could potentially affect both domestic and international players.

Join us for a one-hour webinar to review the current status of these changes and the steps that companies can take to protect themselves and grow their businesses in and with Russia.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

Required personal data storage in Russia—As of September 2015, new rules will require personal data of Russian citizens to be stored on local servers in Russia. We will discuss how and whether these rules apply to domestic and foreign data operators, what steps are needed to comply, risks of noncompliance, and the latest developments in this fast-moving area.

New requirements for websites—In 2014, new rules subjected social media websites, online forums, and certain other organizations that interact with Internet users to new registration and local data storage requirements and potentially enhanced scrutiny from the Russian authorities. The new “blogger” provisions added special controls for websites that attract more than 3,000 hits per day. We will discuss the practical implications and recent experience with these changes.

Limits on foreign ownership of mass media—Last fall, Russia reduced the maximum foreign ownership in “mass media” companies to 20%, causing considerable concern among international television, radio, and publishing companies active in Russia. The new limit will become effective in 2016 (and 2017 for certain mass media with indirect Russian owners). We will discuss whether this change affects online and Internet businesses, practical implications, and the latest developments.