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Russian media watchdog prepares protocol for Google due to absence of data localization

The watchdog also expects a response from Facebook and Twitter and "will then decide on whether to open administrative cases"

© EPA-EFE/WALLACE WOON

MOSCOW, June 30. /TASS/. The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media prepared an administrative protocol against US-based Google due to the breach of laws on localization of databases in Russia, the watchdog’s press service told TASS on Wednesday.

"Google did not localize the data of Russian citizens on the territory of Russia," the press service said. "On June 30, the regulator prepared an administrative protocol in respect of Google LLC under Part 8 Article 13.11 of the Russian Administrative Offense Code [breach of Russian personal data laws - TASS]. The management of the US company failed to confirm the fact of localizing databases of Russian users on the Russian territory," it noted.

The watchdog also expects a response from Facebook and Twitter and "will then decide on whether to open administrative cases."

"About 600 representative offices of foreign companies in Russia localized storage of personal data of Russian users to date," the regulator added.

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