Russia Imposes Fines on Google and TikTok for Non-Compliance

Russia has fined Alphabet’s Google and TikTok for not adhering to the country’s content regulations. According to Reuters, the fines were imposed by Moscow’s Tagansky district court on Wednesday, following orders from the communications regulator, Roskomnadzor.

The court fined Google 5 million roubles (approximately $58,038) and TikTok 4 million roubles for their failure to identify and remove content that had previously been flagged as prohibited. This latest action underscores Russia’s long-standing demand for foreign technology platforms to eliminate content it deems illegal. Despite numerous directives and penalties, compliance has often been an issue, prompting a series of fines.

The Moscow courts’ press service confirmed the imposition of the fines, noting the ongoing struggle with these platforms over content regulation. Google and TikTok have yet to respond to the recent penalties.

Russia’s scrutiny of foreign tech companies is part of a broader effort to control the information accessible within its borders. Per Reuters, Moscow has been particularly critical of Google for removing YouTube channels associated with Russian media and prominent public figures, actions that have exacerbated the friction between the tech giant and Russian authorities.

This development reflects the persistent and escalating battle over digital content control, with Russia determined to enforce its rules and tech companies caught in the crossfire of differing international standards and expectations.

Google has come under regulatory fire in other countries as well. Italy’s antitrust agency announced in July the initiation of an investigation into Google and its parent company Alphabet, citing alleged unfair commercial practices related to users’ personal data.

The Italian watchdog stated that Google’s consent request for connecting its various services “could constitute misleading and aggressive commercial practice.” The antitrust authority, responsible for overseeing consumer rights, emphasized that the “incomplete and misleading” information provided to users does not sufficiently clarify the impact of their consent on the usage of their personal data.

Source: Reuters