Clashes between Google and the Russian government continue over issues related to content removal. For some time, the Kremlin has been pressuring big tech companies to remove content deemed illegal by the state. This time, Russia has fined Google and Discord for not complying with local regulations.
Clashes between Russia and Google have been constant in recent years
Opposition to the Kremlin constitutes a significant portion of the content Russia considers illegal. Whether it is political material against the state or criticism of the government, Russia usually requests the immediate removal of such content because it is considered illegal in the country. They also consider content related to non-conservative values illegal. However, companies like Google have not heeded the state’s requests.
In contrast, Google has acted in a relatively defiant manner. Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Google has been removing YouTube channels related to Russian state media and public figures. The company has also removed millions of videos that support the Ukraine invasion. Of course, this action has not gone down well in Moscow.
Moscow fines Google and Discord
Now, Russia is imposing fines on both Google and Discord for failing to comply with government content removal orders. Both companies will have to pay 3.5 million rubles ($37,674.92). In Google’s case, the fine is for failing to remove “illegal” content. Discord, on the other hand, is fined for failing to restrict access to illegal content on its servers.
The Russian government is not imposing big fines, but it does enforce a policy of constant “small” fines for each individual “infringement.” This is not the first time the Mountain View giant has received similar sanctions in the country. Russia has fined the company in the past for allowing content that promotes non-traditional sexual relations and discredits the Russian armed forces.
Recently, the Russian government claimed that Google blocked new accounts in the country. Previously, Russian YouTube users reported internet speed throttling that made it virtually impossible to play videos. The Russian government blamed Google for this, but the American company denied the accusations.