Russia Fines Google $370M for Spreading 'False' Info About Ukraine Invasion

pcmag.com:

Google has been fined $370 million by Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor for deliberately spreading false information regarding its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

As Reuters reports(Opens in a new window), Roskomnadzor claims Google repeatedly failed to remove content which is classed as illegal in Russia. "The video hosting site YouTube deliberately promotes the dissemination of misleading information about the progress of the special military operation in Ukraine, discrediting the armed forces of the Russian Federation," Roskomnadzor said.

Even if Google decided to pay the fine, it would be impossible for the company to transfer the cash. The sanctions in place at the moment block most forms of monetary transfer to Russia, and the Russian government has already seized Google's bank account making it impossible to pay employees in the country, let alone consider paying a fine. The situation was so dire, Google decided to file for bankruptcy.

This isn't the first time Google has faced a large fine for the content it allows to be distributed related to Russia's activity. In December last year, it was fined $110 million(Opens in a new window) for failing to remove what Russia deemed illegal content. In April this year, a further $170,000 fine was issued for allegedly spreading inaccurate information about Russia's troop losses in Ukraine.

Google isn't being singled out by Russia with fines for illegal activity. Last month Twitch, Pinterest, Airbnb, and UPS were all fined over refusing to store the personal data of Russian users inside the country. Before that in May, companies including Apple and Likeme were added to the list of those being issued fines for failing to comply with Russian legislation.