YouTube’s return to Russia hinges on fulfilling several key requirements, including resolving issues with its equipment, paying accumulated fines, and opening an official legal representation in the country, according to Anton Nemkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy.

The platform must also restore access to the accounts of Russian media, journalists, and bloggers that were blocked without a court decision. Nemkin emphasized that compliance with Russian legislation is the core issue.

He stated that YouTube needs to adhere to Russian laws, including paying taxes, storing citizens’ data within the country, and being prepared to resolve disputes in Russian courts. Nemkin believes that ignoring these requirements is unsustainable and that the era of permissiveness for large IT corporations should end.