The sanctions included RT and RBC channels, as well as the accounts of musicians Shaman, Oleg Gazmanov, Yulia Chicherina, writer Zakhar Prilepin, designer and blogger Artemy Lebedev.
In yet another round of confrontation between Roskomnadzor and Google, the Russian agency has sent an official letter to Google LLC CEO Sundar Pichai demanding the unblocking of more than 200 Russian YouTube accounts.
According to media reports, the letter presents evidence of channel blocking that has occurred over the past four years and lists the largest of them. Roskomnadzor insists on lifting the illegal restrictions, motivated by the need to comply with Russian legislation on the free flow of information.
The agency considers Google's actions inadmissible, contradicting the principles of free distribution of information, unimpeded access to it and freedom of expression.
Roskomnadzor's letter does not specify for what reasons the channels were blocked. However, Mash reports that the blockings could be related to various factors, including: copyright infringement, violation of YouTube community rules, and political motives.
Google's response to Roskomnadzor's letter has not yet been published. However, in the past, the company has repeatedly stated its commitment to comply with the laws of different countries, including the Russian one.
Earlier State Duma deputy Svetlana Viktorovna Bessarab expressed her opinion on the talk about blocking the video hosting.