Russia Imposes Multiple Fines on Google for Failing to Remove Prohibited Content

In recent years, Russia has repeatedly fined Google for not complying with local internet regulations, particularly regarding the removal of prohibited content on YouTube. In March 2024, Google was fined 4 million rubles for failing to restrict access to certain videos that were classified as illegal by Russian authorities.


This was preceded by a major fine in December 2023, when Russian courts imposed a penalty of 4.6 billion rubles on Google for not deleting content containing what officials called false information about Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Again in November 2024, the company was fined 3.8 million rubles for not removing materials related to alleged disinformation about the Russian armed forces.


These fines reflect Russia’s broader efforts to tighten control over the digital space, enforce censorship laws, and regulate the flow of information online. The conflict between Western tech companies and Russian regulatory bodies continues to raise debates over digital sovereignty, freedom of expression, and corporate responsibility.