The Russian telecommunications regulator announced today that it is banning Google from advertising in Russia, accusing the YouTube platform of spreading false information about Russian forces operating in Ukraine.
Moscow has launched a full-scale operation to stifle the transmission of information that does not correspond to the official line.
“YouTube has become a platform for spreading fabrications about the special military operation on Ukrainian territory, discrediting the Russian armed forces,” said Roskomnadzor, which also accuses the site of posting Ukrainian “extremist” content.
He also accuses it of censoring Russian state-owned media, whose YouTube channels have been shut down.
As a result, Google will no longer have the right to broadcast ads from Google LLC and its platforms in Russia.
In addition, Russian search engines must declare that Google and its affiliates are violating Russian law when a search is conducted in their name.
These measures are much less serious than those targeted by other internet giants for similar categories. Facebook, Twitter or Instagram have therefore been banned in Russia.
In addition, the transmission of defamatory information to the Russian military is subject to a penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
