Estonia has introduced a new bill aimed at curtailing the retransmission of Russian and Belarusian media channels, tightening control over internet content, and imposing additional requirements on media outlets. The Ministry of Culture has submitted a draft amendment that empowers the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority (TTJA) to limit the broadcasting of what it deems “hostile media.”
Andres Yeesaar, an advisor in the Ministry of Culture’s media department, stated, “There won’t be any serious control mechanism; they will be given the authority to restrict their dissemination.”
The proposed legislation also revises local licensing regulations for radio broadcasting. Among the new requirements is a mandate for at least 30% of programs aired by Estonian broadcasters to feature works by local authors, while foreign-language radio stations must include at least 15% Estonian content.
Additionally, the law will create a database of media ownership and require transparency in government advertising expenditures, impacting approximately 200 companies. Content creators on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, who earn income from their work, will also be classified as media service providers and must disclose their earnings from government contracts.
These amendments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. A representative from Elisa, one of Estonia’s largest telecommunications operators, acknowledged that while the ban could lead to reduced revenues, the company is prepared to adapt to the changes.
Russian-speaking residents surveyed by local media have expressed little concern over restricted access to familiar channels. One individual noted, “There’s always the internet and systems that allow you to connect anywhere,” adding that Estonian content often does not align with their interests.
Legal experts are raising questions about the implications of the law. Lawyer Karl Kreem indicated that while the legislation aligns with EU standards, its implementation could face legal challenges if the TTJA enforces restrictions too aggressively. The mechanism for blocking channels will likely involve telecommunications providers, with penalties for non-compliance, although specific details remain unclear.
Economically, the law may shift the landscape for government advertising, potentially increasing competition; however, smaller media outlets could face challenges due to new licensing and reporting costs.
Media analysts commented on the potential impact of the law, stating that while it may enhance transparency, it could also limit content diversity. “Quotas for Estonian language content are beneficial for culture,” she said, “but listeners might turn to platforms like Spotify, where such restrictions don’t apply.”
The opposition party EKRE has voiced concerns that the law may become a tool for censorship, particularly affecting independent bloggers and content creators.
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