Russian court fined Alphabet's Google $98 million
The fine of 7.2 billion rubles, or $98 million, is due to what Moscow says is a repeated failure to delete content Russia deems illegal.
MOSCOW, Russia A Moscow court on Friday, December 24, said it was fining Alphabet’s Google 7.2 billion rubles ($98 million) for what it said was a repeated failure to delete content Russia deems illegal, the first revenue-based fine of its kind in Russia.
Moscow has increased pressure on big tech this year in a campaign that critics characterize as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, something they say threatens individual and corporate freedom.
Google said it would study the court ruling before deciding further steps via email.
Russia has imposed small fines on foreign technology companies throughout this year. Still, Friday’s penalty marks the first time it has exacted a percentage of a company’s annual Russian turnover, significantly increasing the sum of the fine.
Although Reuters calculations show it equates to just over 8%, it did not specify the percentage.
Russia has ordered companies to delete posts promoting drug abuse and dangerous pastimes, information about homemade weapons and explosives, and ones by groups it designates as extremist or terrorist.
Google, which has paid more than 32 million rubles in fines over content violations this year, is at odds with Moscow on several issues.
Russia has demanded it restore access to state-backed broadcaster RT’s German-language channels.
Last week, a sanctioned Russian businessman claimed victory over Google in a court case to see the tech giant hit with another heavy fine.
Moscow has also demanded that 13 foreign and mostly US technology companies, which include Google and Meta Platforms, be set up on Russian soil by January 1 or face possible restrictions or outright bans
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