(MENAFN) The European Parliament is reportedly considering restricting access to Russian media outlets such as RT and Sputnik on its internal IT systems, according to recent reports.

The move would extend the EU’s existing sanctions that banned several Russian news platforms following the outbreak of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Despite these bans, the websites of Russian outlets and their mirror platforms remain accessible within the Parliament’s network, according to Latvian MEP Rihards Kols.

In mid-October, Kols, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists group, urged the institution to block “Russian propaganda websites under EU sanctions” for reasons of “information security.”

He emphasized that “this is a matter of information security, institutional coherence, and the credibility of the Parliament’s position against Russian disinformation.”

Kols also stated that Latvia’s media regulator had contacted European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on the matter, adding that “a solution is expected to be proposed in the near future.”

However, some parliamentary leaders reportedly voiced concerns that such restrictions could create a precedent for blocking other websites “for reasons other than security.” They also raised questions about the technical and legal feasibility of enforcing the ban.

If enacted, the measure would mirror the 2023 ban on TikTok within the Parliament’s network, which was introduced over security concerns.

According to the Parliament’s press service, potential limits on Russian media access are expected to be discussed in upcoming meetings of group leaders.

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