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Russia Wants To Censor Americans. Why Are U.S. Tech Companies Helping?
Russia’s censorship agency asked US web host WP Engine to block Russians from accessing the Human Rights Foundation’s Tyranny Tracker. WP Engine passed on the demand and threatened to block the site itself if the foundation did not comply, raising concerns about US companies helping foreign governments restrict speech.
A proposed bill, the GRANITE Act, would clarify that US courts will not enforce foreign censorship orders and let people sue foreign censors seeking to restrict Americans’ protected speech. The article says Ofcom sent at least 197 notices to US companies between February 2025 and April 2026. The bill would not ban companies from complying with foreign demands, but aims to protect those that refuse.
In short
- Russia’s censorship demand reached a US nonprofit through WP Engine.
- The proposed GRANITE Act would shield firms that reject foreign orders.
- Ofcom sent US companies at least 197 notices in just over a year.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The GRANITE Act could make clear that US courts will not enforce foreign censorship orders and give people a way to challenge foreign efforts to restrict speech protected in the United States. Supporters could argue that clearer legal protections would help companies resist pressure from governments such as Russia’s while preserving Americans’ ability to access lawful information.
The case against
Critics could argue that a broad rule against enforcing foreign censorship orders may complicate how US companies respond to other countries’ laws and court processes. Since the bill would not prohibit companies from complying with foreign demands, they might also question whether its protections would change corporate decisions in practice, while warning that cross-border disputes are better handled through careful legal cooperation.
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