Russia Fined Google

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Russia Fined Google
20 Jul 2022
5 min read

News Synopsis

Russia has fined Google 21.1 billion roubles ($373 million; £301 million) for failing to restrict access to "prohibited" material about the Ukrainian war and other content. The country's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, stated that the information included "fake" reports that discredited Russia's military and posts urging people to protest.

It described the US tech behemoth as a "systematic" violator of its laws.

Last month, the company's local subsidiary declared bankruptcy. The move came after Russian authorities seized its local bank account, allowing them to recoup 7.2 billion roubles that the company had been ordered to pay for similar reasons the previous year.

In recent years, Russia has increased pressure on technology companies, accusing them of not properly moderating their content and interfering in the country's internal affairs.

Following the invasion of Ukraine in February, efforts to control social media and other news sites have increased. In addition, the government passed legislation threatening people who spread "false" information about the war with 15 years in prison. Alphabet-owned Google stopped offering commercial services, such as advertising, in Russia in March. It has also tightened restrictions on Russian-backed news accounts and relocated staff.

However, unlike some other social media sites, such as Facebook, it has not been completely banned in Russia, where the company's technology is used in many smart phones.

 

TWN Special