Russian court fines Google $50.8 mln over ‘fake’ information

The TASS news agency reported that a Russian court fined Alphabet’s Google (GOOGL.O) 4.6 billion roubles ($50.84 million) on Wednesday for failing to erase so-called “fake” information regarding the crisis in Ukraine and other topics. The information in question was related to the conflict in Ukraine. In a controversy that has been simmering since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has been at odds with foreign technology businesses regarding content, censorship, data, and local representation. This conflict has worsened since Russia became involved in the conflict.

According to the Russian news agency RIA, the fine was also levied because Google failed to delete “extremist content” and the distribution of what Russia refers to as “LGBT propaganda.” In response to a request for comment, Google did not immediately respond. “Special military operation” is what Russia refers to the combat that takes place in Ukraine. A decision that was handed down by the Supreme Court of Russia in November stated that LGBT activists should be labeled as “extremists.”

This decision has caused advocates of homosexual and transgender persons to express concern that it may result in arrests and prosecutions. In contrast to Twitter and Meta Platforms’ (META.O) Facebook and Instagram, Alphabet’s YouTube has not been blocked by the Russian government, although it has been a particular target of irritation for the Russian government.

To determine the amount of the fine, a percentage of Google’s annual revenue in Russia was used. At the end of 2021, the corporation was subjected to penalties based on its turnover amounting to 7.2 billion roubles, and in August of 2022, the penalties increased to 21.1 billion roubles.