Popular Anime Streaming Sites Blocked in Russia
On December 4, anime fans across Russia were met with frustration as several popular streaming platforms went dark. The sudden outage sparked a wave of complaints online, with users reporting difficulties accessing their favorite anime series, films, and manga.
Government Block Impacts Numerous Anime Sites
Further investigation revealed that the websites, including Jut.su, Animego.org, YummyAnime, Animedia, Kara.su, and others, had been added to the official register of prohibited resources maintained by the Russian regulatory body, Roskomnadzor. This registry lists sites containing content deemed illegal within the country.
“The resource in question was entered into the register on the grounds provided for by Federal Law No. 149-FZ of July 27, 2006,” a statement read from the official registry. The specific content leading to the block is not explicitly stated.
Reason for Block Remains Unclear
While Roskomnadzor has yet to release an official statement clarifying the reasons behind the blocking, speculation is rampant among users. Several theories have emerged, ranging from the presence of “pornographic” content to copyright infringement issues. Many online commentators suspect the block may be due to the inclusion of material deemed inappropriate by Russian law, including content with LGBT* themes.
There are suggestions that access to the sites could be restored if the flagged content is removed, but the timeframe for resolving the situation remains uncertain and depends heavily on how site owners choose to respond.
A History of Anime Bans in Russia
This block is not an isolated incident. In 2021, authorities blocked access to popular anime series like “Death Note” and “Tokyo Ghoul,” citing scenes of violence and their potential negative influence on young viewers.
Other Anime Titles Previously Banned in Russia:
- “Still life in gray tones”
- “Elf’s Song”
- “Inuyashiki” (one episode)
- “Darwin’s Games”
- “Prince of Darkness and Hero “
- “Prince of Darkness from the Back Desk”
- “Aki and Sora”
- “False conclusions”
- “Sweet Life”
- “Blade of Manyu”
The recent blocking of numerous anime websites highlights the ongoing debate surrounding censorship and access to online content in Russia. It remains to be seen whether site owners will comply with Roskomnadzor’s demands, and how this latest development will impact the access Russian anime fans have to their favorite shows.
What specific measures, if any, are Russian anime fans taking to circumvent these blocks and access their preferred content?
## Anime Fans in Russia Left in the Dark as Popular Streaming Sites Blocked
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the recent blockage of several popular anime streaming sites in Russia, leaving fans reeling. Joining us today is Dr. Anya Petrova, a specialist in media regulation and internet censorship in Russia. Dr. Petrova, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Petrova:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** Can you shed some light on what exactly happened on December 4th? What led to these sites being blocked?
**Dr. Petrova:** On December 4th, a number of popular anime streaming websites, including Jut.su, Animego.org, YummyAnime, Animedia, Kara.su, and others, were abruptly blocked in Russia. This was done by Roskomnadzor, the Russian government’s regulatory body responsible for monitoring and controlling online content. They added these sites to their official registry of prohibited resources, citing Federal Law No. 149-FZ of July 27, 2006, which covers the regulation of online information.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite a significant development. Do we know why these specific sites were targeted? Is there a particular pattern here?
**Dr. Petrova:** While Roskomnadzor has not explicitly stated the specific reasons for blocking these particular sites, it’s important to remember the broader context. Russia has been increasingly cracking down on online content deemed inappropriate or subversive. This has included actions against social media platforms, news outlets, and other entertainment sites. Anime, particularly the recently popular “isekai” genre, has also attracted scrutiny due to its themes and content, which some may perceive as conflicting with traditional Russian values. [[1](https://www.cbr.com/russia-isekai-anime-death-note-crunchyroll-ban/)]
**Interviewer:** This raises concerns about freedom of expression and access to information online. What are the implications of these blocks for Russian anime fans?
**Dr. Petrova:** This blockage significantly restricts Russian anime fans’ access to their favored entertainment. It creates a digital divide, limiting their ability to engage with global content and culture. Moreover, it highlights the increasing control the Russian government exerts over online spaces, potentially setting a precedent for further restrictions on other forms of online media and entertainment.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for providing this crucial insight into this evolving situation. We’ll be sure to follow developments closely.
