Russia to Start Extrajudicial Blocking of Sites Selling Tobacco and Nicotine Products Online From March 1
Russia will begin blocking websites selling tobacco and nicotine products without court orders starting March 1, 2026, to improve enforcement and protect minors.Summary
Russia is implementing a new system on March 1, 2026, allowing for the extrajudicial blocking of websites that sell tobacco and nicotine-containing products. State Duma member Anton Nemkin stated this change will expedite enforcement by placing offending sites directly on a prohibited information registry, reducing the burden on courts and encouraging platforms to proactively monitor content. The move aims to address the issue of “domain-hopping,” where websites quickly change domains to evade blocking orders. The policy also expands the responsibilities of website owners and social networks to monitor hosted content, mirroring successful efforts to regulate online alcohol sales. Furthermore, the law addresses domain name security and registration, aligning with broader efforts to develop digital identification and age-verification tools for more effective enforcement.
(Source：2Firsts)
