Russia continues its digital censorship efforts as a Moscow court issued a decision demanding more than 357 million euros in rubles from Google for hosting content that condemns the war in Ukraine rather than removing it as required by restrictive national law. The ruling underscores the ongoing tension between Russian regulators and a US multinational over information control and the scope of online platforms within the country.
Roskomnadzor, the Russian agency responsible for telecommunications oversight, stated that the sanction targeted Google and its video platform YouTube, both owned by Alphabet. The agency asserts that the platforms did not block what Moscow calls false information about the invasion, nor did they edit or curb content the Kremlin considers dangerous or inflammatory. The regime labels certain critical movements and opposition voices as threats, tying these actions to broader information control objectives.
The financial burden presents a challenge for the US company. Since June 17, the Russian subsidiary has faced bankruptcy proceedings caused in part by authorities freezing its bank accounts. Earlier in the conflict, Google halted advertising sales in Russia and removed monetization capabilities for Russian propaganda videos. Even with losses reported by Google Russia last year, the company continues to offer core services such as its web browser, maps, email, and the Android operating system. The decision has raised questions about the necessity and feasibility of a complete shutdown of services for Russian users while preserving access to essential tools for everyday life.
Direct | Pro-Russian militia hope to take all of Donbas before the end of the year
INFORMATION
check internet
Experts commented on the case, noting that today’s fine could mark the largest penalty imposed on a technology giant within Russia. Yet such fines are not uncommon, reflecting the Kremlin’s ongoing approach to controlling online information and the platforms that distribute it. The government has repeatedly used legal and regulatory measures to shape the online landscape, framing actions as responses to security concerns and misinformation.
In the months surrounding the invasion, Moscow accused both Google and YouTube of allowing content it deemed harmful or supportive of terrorist activity. This accusation led to the blocking of Facebook and Instagram in Russia and influenced policy choices by their owners at Meta. In the war’s context, the Kremlin argued that certain posts promoted hate against Russian troops, a line that has intensified regulatory pressure on global tech companies operating in the country.
The Ukraine conflict has accelerated the use of censorship tools by Russian authorities. A new law introduced early in March carries heavy penalties for disseminating what the government calls false information about the military, with potential jail terms that reach into double digits. As a consequence, major international media outlets have faced deportation or other constraints in reporting from within Russia.