I guess LinkedIn itself is just being used as an example. It is a smaller fish compared to Facebook or Google, and the Russian citizens are not as dependent on

I guess LinkedIn itself is just being used as an example. It is a smaller fish compared to Facebook or Google, and the Russian citizens are not as dependent on it, so it is a good choice to set an example. Why everyone wants to have local data is more interesting. I can think of some points: - The US wields a lot of soft power by virtue of the fact that a lot of user data about members in other countries lives here. - Other countries want the ability to block access to particular sites and the user data at will without having to go through US law. - Hampering growth of US companies helps local copycat companies grow. - Requiring local servers, local office, make in X etc. promotes local economic activity. There is a critical mass of people who need to be using these services for these points to be viable. China clearly has more than the critical mass, so they easily get away with this sort of behavior and it does them more good than harm (I think). EU probably has it. Russia alone probably does not.