Google and TikTok were fined by Russia on Wednesday (31 July) for failing to comply with an order from communications regulator Roskomnadzor over banned content, Reuters reported.
The search engine giant was fined Rbs5m ($58,038) and TikTok Rbs4m, according to the publication.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Access deeper industry intelligence
Experience unmatched clarity with a single platform that combines unique data, AI, and human expertise.
The fines follow a crackdown from Russia on foreign technology companies posting content it labels as illegal. The country has charged multiple companies with consistent fines when they fail to comply with the takedown orders.
Last year, Russia fined Google after claiming it failed to delete YouTube videos that promoted “false information” and “LGBT propaganda”.
Alphabet-owned Google has been ordered to pay Rbs3m as Russia pushes for more control over what its citizens see online.
The Russian Government has issued an increasing number of fines to Western technology companies over the past year.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataGoogle was accused of refusing to remove a number of videos on YouTube, many of which Russia has deemed as being “LGBT propaganda”.
One video in particular, about the LGBT community in St. Petersburg, was deemed by Russian prosecutors as being made by a “foreign agent”, according to the TASS news agency.
The fine comes after Russia enforced a new law narrowing down what it deems as the “promotion of LGBT propaganda”.
