A court in Moscow says it is fining Google 7.2 billion rubles (approximately Rs 735) for repeatedly removing content Russia considers illegal, the first revenue-based fine of its kind in Russia.
This year, Moscow has ramped up pressure on big tech companies in what critics say is an attempt by Russian authorities to clamp down on the internet, which they say threatens the right to freedom. by individuals and businesses.
Google in an email said it would study the court’s ruling before deciding on next steps.
Russia has imposed small fines on foreign tech companies throughout the year, but Friday’s penalty marks the first time the country has accurately determined a company’s percentage of annual revenue. company in Russia, significantly increasing the amount of the fine.
It doesn’t specify a percentage, although Reuters calculations show it is just over 8 percent.
Russia has ordered companies to remove posts promoting drug abuse and dangerous pastimes, information about weapons and homemade explosives, as well as information about groups it designates. extremist or terrorist.
Google, which has paid more than 32 million RUB (about 3 billion VND) in fines for content violations this year, is at odds with Moscow on a number of issues.
Russia has asked it to restore access to the German-language channels of the state-backed broadcaster RT.
Last week, a sanctioned Russian businessman claimed victory over Google in a court case that could subject the tech giant to another hefty fine.
Moscow has also asked 13 foreign and mainly US tech companies, including Google and Meta . Platform, established on Russian soil before January 1, or face possible restrictions or an outright ban.
© Thomson Reuters 2021
