Moldova takes action against Russian propaganda ahead of upcoming elections, EU referendum

Insight News Media reports.

Internet service providers were directed to block Rutube (rutube.ru) and Dzen (yandex.ru and dzen.ru). The ban on the MD24 sites (moldova24.online and pwa.moldova24.online) comes as part of efforts against pro-Russian influence in the country.

Six Russian propaganda websites banned in Moldova in September

In September, Moldova banned seven websites at the request of the Information and Security Service (SIS) ahead of the presidential election, including six Russian propaganda sites and one Moldovan.

The blacklist includes RIA Novosti, a Russian news agency also under EU sanctions. The SIS stated that these websites pose "national security risks" to Moldova and ordered providers to block five Russian sites: Ng.ru, Gazetacrimea.ru, Crimea.gov.ru, Crimea.ria.ru, Crimea24tv.ru, and Ria.ru.

However, InsightNews found that these "blocked" Russian propaganda sites remained accessible via Moldovan VPN, suggesting that the DNS blockage approach may be ineffective.

Additionally, the SIS ordered the blocking of Nuacum.eu, a site representing the Nu. Nu Acum (No. Not Now) movement, which urged Moldovans to vote against joining the European Union in an upcoming referendum.

Shortly, Moldova to hold EU referendum and presidential elections

On October 20, Moldova will hold both an EU referendum and presidential elections. Pro-Western President Maia Sandu, seeking reelection, has proposed conducting the referendum alongside the elections.

Under Sandu, who replaced the Moscow-backed Igor Dodon in November 2020, Moldova has shifted its focus toward the West, distancing itself from Russian influence. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova aligned itself with the West and condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Moldova received an invitation to join the EU in 2022, and membership negotiations began in June.

U.S. and UK warn of Russia's plans to influence vote in Moldova

In June, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement warning about Russia's intentions to influence Moldova's presidential election. Subsequently, the U.S. State Department reiterated concerns over these attempts.

Before this year's municipal elections, Moldova's Information and Security Service ordered the shutdown of numerous websites deemed a “danger” to the country’s media environment.

Earlier this year, the Moldovan parliament passed legislation allowing organizations, primarily the Foreign Ministry and the SIS, to ban access to “criminal sites.”