The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has initiated legal action against Yandex over the distribution of advertising that is deemed inappropriate, a development disclosed by the service’s press department. The filing signals the agency’s concern with how marketing content appears within major search platforms and the potential impact on consumer access to information. FAS emphasizes that the case centers on compliance with advertising standards and the broader responsibility of online marketplaces to monitor the promotional material they host.
FAS explained that a citizen reached out with a complaint about an advertisement from the organization known as “Work 5,” which provides essay, term paper, and thesis writing services. The ad was displayed within Yandex’s search results, prompting scrutiny of whether such advertisements fall within permitted advertising categories and whether they may mislead students or parents seeking legitimate academic assistance. The agency notes that advertising for academic services touches on the integrity of education systems and the fairness of competition among service providers.
The ministry clarified that advertisements in educational contexts should not promote services intended to help students prepare for state scientific certification or exams if the offerings circumvent proper academic standards. The prohibition is enforced to preserve the integrity of assessments and the reliability of educational credentials. In light of this, the FAS filed a case against Yandex and the advertiser Work 5 for alleged violations of the Advertising Act. The conclusion of the agency is that if violations are confirmed, both the platform operator and the advertiser may face administrative responsibility under relevant regulations.
Earlier, the court imposed a fine on the president of Yandex for screening films with LGBT themes without the required 18+ designation, a decision connected to the status of certain groups and content in the context of national laws. The representatives for the CEO argued at the hearing that the ministry’s conclusions were not fully supported, contending that Roskomnadzor had not proven that the screened materials could be accessed by minors. The exchange highlighted tensions between content moderation rules, parental guidance provisions, and the interpretation of accessibility thresholds for different audiences.
Previously, the Moscow Tagansky Court levied a one million ruble penalty against TNT Music on charges related to LGBT advocacy content, illustrating ongoing regulatory attention to how media and promotional material address sensitive topics and minority communities. The evolving legal landscape underscores the responsibilities of broadcasting and online platforms to balance freedom of expression with statutory restrictions designed to protect certain demographic groups and to uphold public policy objectives.