According to the press service of Nina Ostanina, a deputy with the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Google has disabled the parliamentarian’s personal account and deleted the linked YouTube channel in connection with ongoing sanctions. The report was shared by DEA News. (Source: DEA News)
The suspension notice from Google explains that the account has been disabled in accordance with the company’s export restriction and enforcement policies and cannot be restored. This stance comes as part of a broader enforcement effort in response to geopolitical measures that affect access to certain digital services. (Source: Google notice, DEA News)
In a related move, YouTube previously blocked broadcasts from the Radio Radonezh channel, citing discriminatory statements. The platform later stated that the blocking stemmed from content deemed discriminatory in relation to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. (Source: YouTube policy notices, DEA News)
Prior to these events, Roskomnadzor, the Russian communications regulator, engaged with Google leadership regarding attempts to restore access to the YouTube channel of the country’s first national television channel. The agency emphasized that blocking Russian media undermines the free flow of information and impedes open access to content. (Source: Roskomnadzor briefing, DEA News)