Potential Delay in Penalties for Drug Promotion on Music Services

The law prohibiting drug promotion and related information dissemination is officially scheduled to take effect on September 1st. Music labels, having been notified, are actively preparing for this date, though many are still uncertain about the specific requirements.

The mandate for removing or labeling drug-related content on music platforms might be postponed until March 2026, as reported by industry sources.

The law, enacted in 2024, applies to all content, not just music, but also films and literature. It includes caveats: works where narcotics are an «integral part of the artistic concept, justified by genre,» are exempt from «drug propaganda» classification but must be appropriately marked. Failure to do so results in a fine, and a second offense within a year could lead to criminal liability, up to two years imprisonment. The practical application of these provisions is yet to be determined.

Olga Dolmatova, representative for rapper Guf (whose music frequently touches on drug themes), stated that the artist and his team will await the law`s enactment before commenting. Legal experts consulted also anticipate that clarity will only emerge after initial case precedents.

However, some have already begun preparations. For example, on Yandex Music, rapper AK-47`s tracks now feature drug references either masked by scratches and other audio techniques, or the lyrics have been rewritten and re-recorded by the artist.

Bakhtiyar Aliyev, owner of the Lotus Music label, indicated that his company has received official notification and is now conducting an additional review of its music library:

Bakhtiyar Aliyev, owner of Lotus Music label, commented: «We`ve been notified that the law is imminent. Consequently, we are now accountable for content uploaded to streaming services. Our legal team has been reviewing song lyrics for years, so we are confident there`s little to `clean up,` as releasing such music doesn`t align with our values. Nevertheless, we will conduct an audit for any omissions and have already formally advised our artists to be more mindful of their repertoire.»

The label previously collaborated with Morgenstern, now recognized as a foreign agent in Russia. A review of their active artist roster suggests extensive work for legal teams. In contemporary Russian rap, for example, it`s challenging to find artists who haven`t mentioned drugs. However, this issue is not limited to rap. Songs by bands like `Agata Christie,` Nyke Borzov, `Chizh,` and `Mumiy Troll` contain direct references to prohibited substances without negative connotations, which once aired uncensored on radio. Currently, these recordings are still available on streaming platforms in their original state. For now.

This addresses only explicit drug references. What about metaphors? Will the law apply to songs in foreign languages? There are numerous unanswered questions, as Ivan Belash, director of the band `Kirpichi,` points out:

Ivan Belash, director of the band `Kirpichi,` elaborated: «Take the Red Hot Chili Peppers` album `Mother`s Milk` – while literally `mother`s milk,` in American slang, it refers to heroin. While a formal audit is possible, it boils down to interpretation and wordplay. How can metaphors be effectively scrutinized?»

Even less understood by ordinary citizens, unfamiliar with foreign languages or subtle Russian metaphors, is the law`s broader implication. According to legal experts consulted, if an individual publicly displays a song about drugs on their VKontakte page, they could be considered a `platform` under this law, potentially facing charges for possession and distribution.

New Fines for Advertising on Banned Social Networks

For legal infractions, individuals and self-employed persons face fines of 2,000-2,500 rubles, individual entrepreneurs up to 20,000 rubles, and legal entities up to 500,000 rubles.

Effective September 1st, Russia will impose fines for advertising on Instagram and Facebook. Both platforms are owned by Meta, a corporation deemed extremist and prohibited in Russia. This ban extends to native, hidden, and even unpaid integrations.

Digital migration feels like facing a double digital inferno. Yet, content creators are actively shifting their businesses to alternative platforms. The most proactive began this process in March 2022, when these social networks were first restricted in Russia. Bloggers with significant and loyal audiences have long established funnels, often leading to Telegram, so they remain unfazed by the stricter advertising regulations. Olga Vokhmyanina, a face fitness trainer and expert blogger, explains:

Olga Vokhmyanina, face fitness trainer and expert blogger, stated: «My business is roughly split 50/50 between Instagram and Telegram. I`m not abandoning Instagram despite this intimidating law; I continue to use it as before. Posts likely require more caution. Additionally, all my operations are funneled; traffic has long been redirected to Telegram bots. Currently, most of my sales are through chatbots or webinars. I don`t really `sell` anything on Instagram directly. Or I might explicitly state: `A new law takes effect on September 1st; if you wish to join the club, everything is via Telegram—you know the link, head there.`»

Even such calls to action on banned social networks will be unequivocally categorized as advertising. However, solutions exist: subtle informational messaging, duplicating content on legal platforms, diligent study of the law, and close observation of its enforcement, as noted by Vasily Yashchuk, founder of the Players blogger agency and head of the creative division at Kokoc Group:

Vasily Yashchuk, founder of Players blogger agency and head of the creative division at Kokoc Group, stated: «Publishing content that highlights product advantages, provides positive reviews, or, God forbid, includes purchase links, will immediately be deemed advertising and thus a violation of the law. The only permissible approach is neutral communication or mentioning a product within a compilation. However, even collaborations with bloggers in this manner could be interpreted as advertising. We anticipate a period where advertisers and bloggers will cautiously gauge the law`s strictness and the reactions generated by various content. Ultimately, legal precedents and the volume of such cases will determine future practices.»

Legal professionals recommend promptly auditing accounts: removing all promotional posts, promo codes, discounts, links, and integrations; and archiving `pinned` or active posts that remain commercially relevant beyond September 1st. However, there are complexities. Natalya Chebakova, a lawyer at Delcredere Advocates, advises reviewing client contracts:

Natalya Chebakova, a lawyer at Delcredere Advocates, warned: «Deleting an advertising publication, depending on contract terms, might constitute a breach of that agreement, potentially incurring financial penalties more severe than a state fine. Instead of outright deletion, one could subtly edit the publication to reduce its overt promotional nature. While less commercially effective, this offers a mechanism to mitigate potential fines.»

With just over a week left until the `carriage turns into a pumpkin,` all those who leveraged banned social networks to sell goods, services, personal brands, or digital content are now conducting thorough reviews. Several prominent bloggers with hundreds of thousands of followers initially agreed to discuss this topic but later declined.

Alexandra Pichul, founder of the `School of Storytellers` project, believes that completely stifling bloggers` activities will ultimately prove impossible:

Alexandra Pichul, founder of the `School of Storytellers` project, stated: «We are actively reviewing our pages and removing any content that could be interpreted as advertising. Telegram and VK are now our primary platforms, and all collaborations have been moved there. It`s quite possible that new, non-violating advertising strategies will emerge, which is intriguing. Given the creative ingenuity of the Russian people, I anticipate these approaches will be highly unconventional.»

How will advertising be detected on prohibited social networks? The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) employs automated systems for violation detection, with subsequent manual verification by inspectors. Furthermore, any vigilant user can submit a complaint. Experts tactfully describe this development as the enforced evolution of digital marketing in Russia.

Intervision Song Contest: Ticket Sales Frenzy and Scalper Activity

The initial wave of ticket sales for the song contest generated considerable excitement and many questions. Tickets sold out extremely quickly, and scalpers swiftly became active. Nevertheless, some attendees managed to secure tickets by pre-registering and receiving a purchase link via email.

The second wave of ticket sales for the `Intervision` song contest is set to begin on August 22nd. The initial wave generated immense interest but also raised concerns among potential attendees. Tickets sold out within 1.5 to 2 hours, leading to a surge in scalper activity and criticism towards the organizers. First-round sales for the `Intervision` music contest commenced at 11 AM on August 1st via the official project website, with prices ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles. According to those who attempted immediate booking, initial ticket availability was limited, primarily in sections distant from the stage. Within approximately 90 minutes, all tickets were gone. People incessantly refreshed the site, hoping to secure individual seats that sporadically appeared on the venue`s seating chart. Earlier, on July 1st, the official `Intervision` Telegram channel had announced the start of ticket application submissions. Applicants needed to complete a form with their name, surname, phone number, and email. Organizers promised to send an email notification upon the commencement of official sales. Irina confirmed receiving such a link via email:

An attendee shared: «On August 1st, around 10 AM, I received an email link for ticket purchase. The reservation remained valid for about 20 minutes, allowing me to complete the order and payment smoothly, with tickets immediately delivered to my email. I secured seats in sector 109, which is a good section. While not an abundance of tickets, the cheaper ones were snapped up first. Slightly pricier options, at 6,000 and 8,000 rubles, remained accessible for approximately two more hours.»

However, many applicants never received the anticipated email, prompting them to attempt purchasing tickets directly from the website, alongside those who hadn`t pre-registered. In the official `Intervision` Telegram chat, frustrated users voiced complaints and questions to the organizers, but without response. Among those affected were international attendees, such as Elena from Riga, who recounted how she and her husband applied from separate emails, purchased airline tickets to Moscow for 500 euros each, only to be left without tickets. Yet, the situation likely improved later, as many, including Maria who successfully bought tickets via a link, received their email notifications two to three days after sales commenced.

Maria explained: «I happened to join the chat about 40 minutes after ticket sales were announced. I checked the website, and it was empty. Occasional single tickets would appear briefly, but I couldn`t snatch them. Initially, the chat was filled with angry debates from people who missed out on tickets. However, that evening, the organizers posted in the chat, assuring that a separate sale would be held for those who had pre-registered, with instructions sent directly to their email. Ultimately, everyone was accommodated; it worked out perfectly. There were ample tickets at various price points. Out of curiosity, I checked again about half an hour later, and only a few remained.»

The second wave of sales, providing an additional opportunity for those who missed out on the first round, is scheduled to start on August 22nd.

Scalpers became active almost immediately. On Avito, for instance, `Intervision` tickets are being resold at prices significantly above face value. Upon calling one such advertiser, they admitted purchasing tickets for 3,000 rubles and selling them for 8,000 rubles, accepting card payments. The individual described themselves as an honest secondary market ticket vendor:

Organizers currently assure that notifications with personalized instructions for priority access will be distributed to those who pre-registered. However, considering the experience of the first wave, potential attendees…