In November 2016, Russia blocked access to LinkedIn, the professional networking site owned by Microsoft. This move was seen by many as part of Russia’s efforts to control online activities and clamp down on internet freedoms. But what exactly prompted Russia to block LinkedIn, and what has been the impact of this blockade? Here we examine the background and implications of Russia’s LinkedIn ban.
Why Did Russia Block LinkedIn?
There were two main triggers behind Russia’s decision to block LinkedIn:
- LinkedIn’s refusal to comply with a new data storage law requiring internet companies to store data on Russian users within Russia.
- Allegations that LinkedIn was allowing the distribution of illegal content.
In September 2015, Russia passed a law requiring foreign internet companies to store the personal data of Russian citizens on servers located within Russia. This was seen as an effort by Russia to gain greater control over online activities and data. Companies that refused to comply would face being blocked or banned.
LinkedIn did not adhere to this regulation. It claimed that moving vast amounts of data from other jurisdictions into Russia would be technically difficult, risky, and require the building of costly new infrastructure. LinkedIn said it would be willing to negotiate other solutions, but ultimately did not transfer its data into Russia.
In November 2016, following repeated warnings, Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor moved to block LinkedIn. This meant internet service providers had to restrict Russian users from accessing LinkedIn sites and services.
In addition to the data storage law violation, Russia also accused LinkedIn of allowing the distribution of illegal content. Specifically, Roskomnadzor claimed that LinkedIn hosted recruitment ads from the Ukrainian intelligence services, which is illegal under Russian law. LinkedIn denied these allegations, saying it had no evidence of such ads.
Experts tend to think that while the illegal content issue may have been a factor, LinkedIn’s main “offense” was its failure to comply with the new data storage law. Russia had been ramping up internet censorship for several years, and the LinkedIn ban was seen as Moscow asserting its authority over foreign tech giants.
What Was the Impact of the LinkedIn Ban in Russia?
The blocking of LinkedIn disrupted the activities of its over 6 million users in Russia. Russian professionals could no longer access their contacts, profiles, and other individual data hosted on LinkedIn.
Major consequences of the LinkedIn ban include:
- Russian users shifted to alternatives like Facebook, Instagram and VKontakte for professional networking.
- HR recruitment processes were hampered, as many Russian firms relied on LinkedIn for recruitment advertising and candidate sourcing.
- Opportunities for Russian professionals to connect with peers globally were diminished, hampering career prospects.
- Technology firms in Russia faced talent attraction and retention challenges without access to LinkedIn.
- Russian censorship of the internet increased, raising concerns over freedom of speech and human rights.
Despite the ban, some Russians continued accessing LinkedIn using VPNs. But overall traffic from Russia to LinkedIn dropped significantly after the blocking took effect.
Microsoft, which had acquired LinkedIn for $26 billion just a few months before the ban, did not make major efforts to negotiate with Russia to restore access. Critics viewed this as LinkedIn/Microsoft abandoning its Russian customer base and submitting to state censorship.
Has Access to LinkedIn Been Restored in Russia?
No, access to LinkedIn remains blocked in Russia as of late 2022. After being blocked for over 5 years, there are still no signs of Russia lifting its LinkedIn ban.
In 2017, a Russian court rejected an appeal from LinkedIn against its ban. LinkedIn had argued that vital economic and human rights were being violated. But the court upheld the ban, citing LinkedIn’s refusal to comply with required Russian law as justification.
Microsoft has made no serious attempts to negotiate with the Russian government to restore LinkedIn access. It appears both sides are locked into their positions – Russia demanding control over data, and LinkedIn/Microsoft unwilling to submit to Russia’s internet censorship policies.
The LinkedIn blockade remains part of Russia’s broader efforts to clamp down on foreign internet companies like Twitter, Facebook, Telegram and TikTok. These platforms are either banned, throttled, or forced to comply with Russian content rules. Critics see it as Putin suppressing online dissent and freedom of expression.
With Russia now at war with Ukraine, the prospects of the LinkedIn ban being lifted any time soon appear very dim.
What Are the Alternatives to LinkedIn in Russia?
With LinkedIn unavailable, Russians have switched to other platforms for professional networking and recruitment activities. The main alternatives are:
- VKontakte – Russia’s most popular social network, with extensive profile features similar to Facebook. Often used for professional connections and job searches.
- Facebook – Russian professionals maintain profiles and networking contacts here. Facebook complies with Russia’s internet regulations.
- Instagram – Owned by Meta, Instagram is widely used in Russia for personal branding and business promotion.
- Telegram – A globally popular encrypted messaging app, also used by many Russians for professional networking and job opportunities.
- WhatsApp – Meta’s encrypted messenger is popular for group chats and professional discussions.
- Signal – Another encrypted messenger used by some Russians for private communications.
Various Russian tech firms also launched their own professional networking and jobs platforms seeking to fill the void left by LinkedIn, but with limited success so far.
Could Russia Lift the LinkedIn Ban in the Future?
There are no signs Russia intends to lift its block on LinkedIn anytime soon. The LinkedIn ban is now well established and integrated into Russia’s overall internet censorship apparatus.
However, there are a few scenarios where the ban could potentially be reversed in the long term:
- LinkedIn agrees to store Russian user data on Russia-based servers, satisfying the data localization law that prompted the block.
- Russia’s government changes, and the new administration takes a less restrictive approach to internet censorship.
- Geopolitical dynamics shift, and Russia softens its overall combative stance towards Western technology platforms.
- Microsoft makes a proactive move to negotiate LinkedIn’s return to Russia, perhaps aided by US diplomacy.
Realistically though, none of these scenarios appear imminent. The LinkedIn blockade seems destined to continue indefinitely barring a major change in Russia’s internet policies or foreign relations.
Conclusion
Russia’s blocking of LinkedIn resulted from tensions over internet regulation and censorship. LinkedIn’s refusal to comply with mandatory in-country data storage rules prompted Russia to ban access to the platform for its millions of users.
The blockade has formed part of Russia’s wider efforts to control foreign tech companies and assert online sovereignty. It has cut many Russian professionals off from global networks, damaged recruitment and impacted tech businesses.
With minimal efforts by Microsoft to restore LinkedIn in Russia, most Russians have adapted by shifting to alternate platforms. But the LinkedIn case highlights the determination of Putin’s regime to dictate the terms of the internet within its borders. This raises difficult questions around responding to authoritarian internet policies while protecting user interests.