24.6 C
Accra
Monday, August 4, 2025
WorldRussia hits Google with fine for 'illegal content'

Date:

Russia hits Google with fine for ‘illegal content’

Russia has hit Google with a 21.1bn rouble ($373m; £301m) fine for failing to restrict access to “prohibited” material about the war in Ukraine and other content.

Roskomnadzor, the country’s communications regulator, said the information included “fake” reports that discredited Russia’s military and posts urging people to protest.

It called the US tech giant a “systematic” violator of its laws.

Google did not comment immediately.

The company’s local subsidiary declared bankruptcy last month. The move came after Russian authorities seized its local bank account, allowing them to recover 7.2bn roubles that the firm had been ordered to pay for similar reasons last year.

In recent years, Russia has been ramping up pressure on tech firms, accusing them of not moderating their content properly, and interfering in the country’s internal affairs.

  • How Russia tries to censor Western social media

The efforts to control social media and other news sites have escalated following the invasion of Ukraine in February. The government also passed a law threatening people who spread “fake” information about the war with 15 years in prison.

In March, Google, owned by Alphabet, stopped offering its commercial services in Russia, such as advertising. It has also stepped up its restrictions for news accounts backed by Russia and relocated staff.

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

In March, Alphabet said the decision to continue offering search, maps and YouTube provided Russians with access to “global information and perspectives”.

The fine announced on Monday, which was calculated as a share of the firm’s local revenue, marks the biggest penalty ever imposed on a tech company in Russia, according to state media.

Source: BBC

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...