Russian Federation

[RU] Advertising of Alcohol on Internet Totally Banned

IRIS 2012-8:1/37

Andrei Richter

Comenius University (Bratislava)

On 6 July 2012 the State Duma adopted an amendment to the advertising law that although is laconic may play a critical role for online media in Russia. The amendment is to the 2006 Federal Statute “On Advertising” (see IRIS 2006-4/34). It extends the list of the media where advertising of alcohol products is banned (Art. 21 para. 2) by adding “information-telecommunication network “Internet”. Since 2011 alcohol products in the Federal Statute “On Advertising” include beer or beer products.

The amendment means that any placement of alcohol advertising in any form in Runet (Russian segment of Internet) or by Russian companies shall be punishable [by law] including possible blocking of the websites in question (see IRIS 2012-8/36). The law entered into force on 23 July 2012.