TikTok blocks new videos and livestreams in Russia over ‘fake news’ jail threat as Putin brutally cracks down on dissent

TIKTOK has blocked new videos and livestreams in Russia over a ‘fake news’ jail threat. The content creation platform has now been forced to review the safety implications of a new law as Putin brutally cracks down on dissent. AlamyTikTok users in Russia will not be able to upload new video content[/caption] In a statement the company said it had “no choice” as it moves to keep the app’s employees and users’ safety as the “highest priority”. A Tweet from the company’s official communications page stated: “TikTok is an outlet for creativity and entertainment that can provide a source of relief and human connection during a time of war when people are facing immense tragedy and isolation. “However, the safety of our employees and our users remain our highest priority. “In light of Russia’s new ‘fake news’ law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law. “We will continue to evaluate the evolving circumstances in Russia to determine when we might fully resume our services with safety as our top priority.” “Our in-app messaging service will not be affected.” Most read in The Sun DEJI VS ALEX WASSABI Wassabi WINS split decision as spectator INVADES ring during fight STAGE FRIGHT Rocketman star Taron Egerton collapses on stage during show's opening night KATE'S FEARS Kate Garraway suffers fresh blow with husband Derek Draper MECK IT WORK Lucy Meck shows off baby bump as Ryan's Corrie ex is accused of smashing car READY TO ACT SAS and US Navy SEALs 'training for high-risk rescue of Ukrainian president' SOAP 'BUST-UP' Corrie's Tina O'Brien 'smashed ex Ryan Thomas's car with bat in 1am row' The ‘fake news’ law sets out to punish people with fines or up to 15 years in prison for spreading “false information” about Russia’s military. It also will act a tool to prosecute anyone for publicly calling for sanctions on Russia. Russia has put a blocked Facebook, restricted access to Twitter and barred access to BBC news website, The Verge reports. Vyacheslav Volodin, chairman of Russia’s State Duma legislative body, said: “Literally by tomorrow, this law will force punishment — and very tough punishment — on those who lied and made statements which discredited our armed forces.” A number of broadcasters have been pushed to cease using the work of Russian journalists in response. Large news organisations such as CNN, ABC and CBS News have already signalled they will temporarily suspend the work of their journalists in Russia.  The BBC was the first news outlet to announce it was pulling back. BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “This legislation appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism.  “It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the fill implications of this unwelcome development.”