Google Fined $98 Million By Moscow Court For Alleged Content Failure

On Friday, a Moscow court announced that Alphabet’s Google is being fined 7.2 billion rubles, equivalent to $98 million, for what the court deems a repeated failure to remove content that Russia considers illegal. This marks the first revenue-based fine of its kind in Russia.

This move comes as part of Moscow’s increasing pressure on big tech, seen as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, raising concerns about individual and corporate freedom.

In response, Google stated that it would study the court ruling before deciding on further steps.

In a related development, Meta Platforms was also fined 2 billion rubles, approximately $27.15 million, on the same grounds. Russia’s communication watchdog, Roskomnadzor, cited that Facebook and Instagram failed to remove 2,000 pieces of content that violate Russian laws, while Google retained 2,600 pieces of banned content. Meta Platforms did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Throughout the year, Russia has imposed small fines on foreign technology companies, but the penalties imposed on Friday represent the first time that it has exacted a percentage of companies’ annual Russian turnover, significantly increasing the amount of the fine. The percentages were not specified, but calculations show that Google’s fine amounts to just over 8%.

Russia has specifically ordered companies to delete posts promoting drug abuse and dangerous activities, as well as information about homemade weapons and explosives, and content from groups it designates as extremist or terrorist.

Google, having already paid over 32 million rubles in fines over content violations this year, remains at odds with Moscow on several issues. Furthermore, a sanctioned Russian businessman recently claimed victory over Google in a court case, potentially leading to another substantial fine for the tech giant.

Additionally, Russia has demanded that 13 foreign, predominantly US-based technology companies, including Google and Meta Platforms, establish official representation in Russia by January 1, or face possible restrictions or outright bans.