In a move that signals escalating tensions between Russia and foreign tech giants, a Russian court has slapped Alphabet’s Google with a hefty fine of 8 billion roubles ($77.9 million) for failing to comply with previous penalty orders. The Moscow court’s press service confirmed the ruling on via Telegram.
For years, Russian authorities have been issuing fines against foreign tech companies for not removing content they deem illegal. These penalties, though usually modest—around 4 million roubles—have been growing in severity. The fine imposed on Google this week marks a significant jump, underscoring the government’s increasing scrutiny over online platforms operating within its borders.
Google has yet to respond to a request for comment on the matter, which was sent via email.
The Chertanovo District Court in Moscow specified that the fine was levied due to Google’s non-compliance with an earlier administrative punishment. However, the court did not detail the specific administrative violation that prompted the penalty.
YouTube, owned by Google, has particularly drawn the ire of Russian authorities. The platform has long been a focal point for Moscow’s censorship efforts, with content critical of President Vladimir Putin and the government being a primary target. Once attracting approximately 50 million daily users in Russia, YouTube’s viewership has dwindled to around 12 million, according to internal data provided by Google.
Russian critics allege that the government has intentionally slowed YouTube’s download speeds in an effort to disrupt access to politically sensitive content. However, the Kremlin has denied these accusations, attributing the issue to Google’s alleged failure to update its infrastructure—a claim that both the company and tech experts have strongly contested.
In December, President Vladimir Putin accused Google of being an instrument of the U.S. government, suggesting the company was being used to advance political agendas. This latest fine further highlights the deteriorating relationship between Russia and global tech companies, with legal battles over content regulation showing no sign of abating.
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