Russian service backs idea to regulate online cinemas

MOSCOW, Mar 17 (PRIME) -- The Russian communications service has welcomed an idea of regulating activities of online cinemas, but the issue needs more work, Alexander Zharov, head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media, told reporters Thursday.

“In general, the approach is correct; the thing is that the matter was discussed by our specialists with the Media Communications Union, and I think that streaming services that offer not only TV channels video, but also access to movies are an evolutionally next step of development of terrestrial and non-terrestrial television. That is why it’s necessary that issues of regulation similar to the one of television one should be deliberated,” Zharov said.

Earlier in March the Media Communications Union prepared a bill seeking to control work of audio and visual services – online-cinemas – in the country. The document allows only Russian citizens and local firms to run such services, and they must inform the communications authority about the start of their work, otherwise firms will be fined up to 300,000 rubles.

The bill also says that 80% of content of online-cinemas must be broadcast in Russian, and catalogues must have at least 30% of movies and serials of domestic make.

A working group is still studying the bill and there is no final opinion so far, Zharov said.

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