Moldova Blocks HaiTV App Broadcasting Banned Russian Channels

Moldova has blocked the HaiTV application and its website after authorities confirmed that it was streaming banned Russian and Belarusian TV channels.

The move is part of Chisinau’s ongoing efforts to curb disinformation and protect national information security, Newsmaker reported.

Government Confirms Ban

Government spokesman Daniel Vodă announced on Wednesday that the blocking order was issued after Moldovans across the country reported receiving unsolicited requests via Viber and other platforms urging them to download the HaiTV app or access its website.

“After receiving messages, including from radio stations, the competent authorities saw official instructions about the blocking,” Vodă said.

The spokesman explained that HaiTV provided access to Russian and Belarusian television channels that had already been prohibited in Moldova for spreading military propaganda and threatening information security.

Targeting Russian Disinformation Networks

The HaiTV app positioned itself as an online player offering more than 100 channels, including MD24 TV—a broadcaster connected to convicted businessman and fugitive politician Ilan Shor, who has been sanctioned for supporting Russian influence operations in Moldova.

In late 2023, Moldovan regulators suspended six TV channels for spreading false information about Russia’s war against Ukraine. Earlier this year, authorities also blocked several propaganda websites, including the Moldovan branch of Russia’s Sputnik agency.

A Pattern of Interference

The decision to block HaiTV comes amid heightened warnings from Moldovan officials about Moscow’s attempts to influence public opinion ahead of the September parliamentary elections.

President Maia Sandu recently stated that Russia is preparing “unprecedented interference” through disinformation campaigns, manipulation, and financial support to pro-Kremlin political groups.

By restricting HaiTV, the Moldovan government signals its determination to counter propaganda channels that could be used to destabilize the political environment and undermine the country’s pro-European course.