Google Is Filing for Bankruptcy in Russia
Google is set to pull out of Russia after Russian authorities seized its bank account and made it all but impossible for operations to continue in the country.
As The Wall Street Journal(Opens in a new window) reports, Google has submitted a notice of intent to declare itself bankrupt with Russia’s Fedresurs registry. A Google spokesperson explained:
"The Russian authorities’ seizure of Google Russia’s bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations."
The good news for the Russian population is that free Google services including Android, Gmail, Maps, Search, and YouTube will continue to function. The Play store is also sticking around, but currently can't be used to purchase any apps because Google suspended all payment services as part of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Russian government and Google have not been on good terms for quite some time. Last year, Google was fined 7.22 billion rubles(Opens in a new window) ($110 million) when it failed to remove illegal content. Then in April this year, a further 11 million rubles ($170,000) fine was handed out for allegedly spreading inaccurate information about Russia's troop losses in Ukraine. Google has also frustrated authorities by restricting access to YouTube channels operated by Russian media outlets back in February, followed by blocking Duma TV last month.
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