The Russian President Signs a Law Requiring Foreign Technology Companies to Open Offices in Russia

A document published by the Russian government said that President Vladimir Putin signed a law requiring foreign information technology companies to open offices on Russian soil, in the latest steps taken by Moscow to impose greater control over big technology companies.

Russia is keen to tighten its grip on the Internet and reduce its dependence on foreign companies and countries.

Moscow has fined IT companies for not removing content they deemed illegal, has sharply slowed Twitter as a punitive measure, and on Wednesday filed a new lawsuit against Google for violating the Personal Data Act.