Russian regulator blasts LinkedIn for refusing to comply with data law

Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, said on Tuesday that LinkedIn is refusing to comply with a law that requires the company to store Russian consumer data within the country.

“The company has refused to carry out the requirement to move its storage sites holding the personal data of Russian citizens onto the territory of the Russian Federation, thus confirming its lack of interest in working on the Russian market,” Roskomnadzor said in a statement, according to Reuters.

{mosads}The regulator also tweeted out a picture of the LinkedIn logo, with the message “R.I.P.”

The professional networking site has been banned in Russia since November, when it first refused to comply with the data security law.

“LinkedIn’s vision is to create economic opportunity for the global workforce,” a company spokesperson told The Hill in a statement. “We are disappointed with Roskomnadzor’s action to block LinkedIn as it denies access to our services for our members and customers in Russia.”

“While we believe we comply with all applicable laws, and despite conversations with Roskomnadzor, including meeting with them in Moscow in December 2016, we have been unable to reach an understanding that would see them lift the block on LinkedIn in the Russian Federation,” the statement continues. “LinkedIn will continue to be available in the Russian language, and we hope that we are able to restore service in Russia in the future.”