Russia fines Google $98 Million for violating its content policy and not following its content rules such as pornographic material. A Moscow court has announced that it would pay Alphabet’s Google 7.2 billion roubles (£73 million) for what it claims is a continuous failure to erase information that Russia considers unlawful, marking the first time a revenue-based charge has been imposed in the country.
As part of a campaign aimed at exerting tighter control over the internet, Russian authorities have upped their pressure on prominent technology companies this year, according to opponents. They argue that this undermines individual and business freedom in the country. Google stated in an email that it will review the court decision before making any decisions about its next moves.
Reasons behind Russia fines Google
In the course of this year, Russia has imposed tiny penalties on international technology businesses; nevertheless, the penalty levied on Friday is the first time the country has exacted a percentage of a company’s annual Russian revenue, significantly boosting the overall total of the penalty. That did not specify what proportion it was, but according to Reuters figures, it is somewhat more than 8 percent of GDP.
Posts advocating drug addiction and dangerous activities, as well as information about homemade weapons and explosives, as well as those by groups designated by Russia as extreme or terrorist, have been ordered to be removed from social media sites in the country.
A variety of concerns divide Google and Moscow, including the fact that the company has paid more than 32 million roubles in fines for content breaches this year alone.
Russia has asked that it re-establish access to the German-language stations of state-owned television network RT.
Earlier this week, a Russian billionaire who is subject to sanctions claimed victory over Google in a court dispute that might result in the internet giant being smacked with yet another large sum.
As part of the agreement, Moscow has also required that 13 international technology firms, the most of which are based in the United States, including Google and Meta Platforms, establish operations on Russian territory by 1 January, or face possible limitations or outright bans.
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