Wix, a popular website builder and hosting platform, will soon block all Russian users and shut down their websites, regardless of whether they use free or paid services. This decision aligns with new US regulations that prohibit American companies from providing certain services to Russia-based customers. As of September 12, all Russian-based Wix websites will go offline. The company’s announcement stated, “Due to new regulations, Wix will no longer be able to support services for residents in Russia.” The company also provided details on its support page explaining the restriction.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
This move follows directives from the US Treasury Department that require US companies to cease offering IT consultancy, design, cloud services, or IT support to Russian entities. The rules, announced in June, coincide with the date Wix will implement its ban. The new sanctions respond to Russia’s continued military actions in Ukraine, which began in 2022.
Wix has clarified that Russian users who believe their websites have been removed in error can contact customer support. They must provide proof, such as a utility bill or visa document, showing they have resided outside of Russia for at least three months. However, it remains uncertain whether Wix will issue refunds to affected customers. Wix’s decision places it among other tech firms like Notion, which have also ceased offering services in Russia. The company operates globally, with offices across the US, Europe, and Asia, but has no presence in Russia, China, or other US-sanctioned countries. The sanctions also reflect a larger trend of American companies pulling back from Russia. In June, for example, the White House banned the Russian antivirus company Kaspersky from selling to US customers, citing security concerns over its Russian origins.
The decision by Wix comes amidst an intensifying environment for internet users in Russia, where authorities continue to restrict access to global platforms. Recently, YouTube faced blocking, and platforms like Facebook and Instagram are only accessible through VPNs due to Russia’s designation of Meta as a “terrorist organization.”
TF Summary: What’s Next?
Wix’s decision to cut off Russian users illustrates the ripple effect of international sanctions on the tech industry. As the regulatory environment tightens, more companies may follow suit, leading to a shrinking digital space for Russian users. In response, Russian authorities may push further toward creating a more closed internet environment, potentially escalating the ongoing digital conflict between Russia and Western tech companies. The situation bears close watching as new regulatory actions emerge and more tech firms decide how to navigate this complex geopolitical environment.
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