MOSCOW, January 31 (RAPSI) – Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor has instituted administrative proceedings against Facebook and Twitter over alleged breaching of user data storage requirements.

The proceedings were commenced as the companies failed to provide in time information on fulfilment of requirements on the localization of databases of Russian social media users on servers located in Russia, as stipulated by the Law On Personal Data, the watchdog’s statement reads.

The companies could face fines ranging from 1 to 6 million rubles ($16,000 - 94,000) each, according to the Code on Administrative Offenses.

The violation protocol was drawn up in the presence of a Twitter representative; a Facebook representative failed to turn up for the protocol signing.

The document is to be forwarded to court within 3 working days, the watchdog says.