On Tuesday, the Russian competition watchdog fined Google 2 Billion Rubles (33 Million Euros) and accused Google of violating competition laws by using its YouTube video platform.
A Reuters report shows that Google has no restraint in Russia. For allegedly abusing its position on YouTube, the American giant was just fined 33 million euros or 2 billion rubles.
According to local media, Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service claims that Alphabet has “abused its dominant place in the YouTube video hosting service market.” Google stated that it will examine the court’s decision and decide if it wishes to appeal. However, the company must pay the fine within two weeks.
Russia continues to fine Google
In recent months, Russia has issued numerous fines to Google’s Russian subsidiary. Last week, a court ordered her to pay 21.1 million rubles (368 millions euros) for repeatedly refusing to remove content that Russia considered illegal, including fake news about the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Russia had requested their withdrawal in March.
Another $170,000 penalty was imposed on the company in April for spreading false information about Russian troop losses to Ukraine. It is unknown at this time if Google will pay all of these fines. Google had to file bankruptcy in Russia several months back after Russian authorities seize its bank account, making it impossible for it to continue operations in Russia.
Many of the major US technology companies have been blocked in Russia by the Russian government or have decided to restrict their services due to the invasion in Ukraine. Google is unlikely to pay its fines if its army of lawyers finds flaws in Russian court rulings.
