Moscow: A Russian court has fined Google’s parent company, Alphabet, 3.8 million roubles ($41,530) for hosting a video on YouTube. The content allegedly showed instructions for Russian soldiers on how to surrender. The ruling, reported by Russia’s TASS news agency, adds to the ongoing tensions between Moscow and foreign tech giants.
Russia’s Crackdown on Online Content
For years, Russia has pressured global tech companies to remove content it deems illegal. This includes so-called “fake news” about the war in Ukraine. Authorities frequently impose fines on companies like Google for failing to comply.
Google has not yet responded to the recent ruling. However, the company has faced numerous legal challenges in Russia over its platform policies.
YouTube Access Issues in Russia
Critics claim Russian authorities are slowing down YouTube’s download speeds to restrict access to content critical of President Vladimir Putin. However, the Russian government denies this. Officials blame Google for not upgrading its infrastructure—a claim Google and technology experts dispute.
Putin’s Accusations Against Google
In December, President Putin accused Google of acting as a political tool for the U.S. government. He claimed the platform is being used to influence public opinion against Russia.
Tensions Between Russia and Big Tech
The latest fine is part of a broader crackdown on foreign tech firms. Russia has already blocked several platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. However, YouTube remains accessible, despite facing growing restrictions.
As tensions between Russia and Western tech companies continue, the future of free speech and digital access in the country remains uncertain.
