Millions of Russian netizens must be reeling in agony as government media watchdog Roskomnadzor has blocked access to popular adult content producer Brazzers.
The Moscow Times reports the local regulator censored the website following allegations that its smut flicks have a “deeply negative influence on the human psyche.” The ban comes as a result of a decision by the Bolsheglushitsky District Court in the Samara region dating back to October 2016.
In addition to its allegedly negative impact on the masses, the court ruled that Brazzers’ content also “violated citizens’ rights,” according to local outlet TJ Journal.
While Russia currently accounts for a tiny four-percent fraction of Brazzers’ overall traffic, the number of local visitors has more than doubled over the last year.
Blacklisting adult content websites is nothing new for Russia. Earlier last year, Roskomnadzor shut off access to fellow MindGeek subsidiary Pornhub following accusations the portal had violated child protection laws and distributed pornographic materials illegally.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
In response, Pornhub offered Roskomnadzor free access to its premium service and subsequently engaged in a prolonged back-and-forth social media war with the regulating agency. The ban was eventually lifted shortly after.
In any case, it seems Russian netizens might have to wait a little longer before they can catch up with Brazzers’ upcoming XXX adaptation of the popular video game Metal Gear Solid.
Update: Brazzers is yet to respond to the block with an official statement, but it did take a little dig at Russian authorities on Twitter:
Disappointed to hear that on such cold winter nights the good citizens of Russia have been denied the warm embrace of Brazzers entertainment
— Brazzers (@Brazzers) February 7, 2017
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.