Google slapped with fine as Russia tightens grip on war info
Russia has fined Google, accusing the company of disseminating sensitive information about military losses in Ukraine, reports Defence Blog. A Moscow court ruled that Google violated Russian law by permitting the publication of content revealing personal data of Russian soldiers killed during the so-called "special military operation."
According to a report from the Russian state news agency TASS on 21 April, the court determined that Google broke regulations prohibiting the dissemination of information about the names and biographies of deceased Russian soldiers. The verdict highlighted that certain YouTube videos contained these prohibited contents.
Russia fines Google
Google was fined 3.8 million roubles (approximately £34,500) under Article 13.41, part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation. Additional reasons for the penalty include YouTube videos offering instructions to Russian soldiers on how to surrender.
As explained by Defence Blog, Russian authorities claim that Google has accumulated significant unpaid administrative fines, which local media describe as "2 undecillion roubles." This amount is increasing due to non-compliance with previous rulings. Russian officials stated that Google will be allowed to return to the Russian market only after fulfilling these obligations.
This latest move underscores the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to suppress information about the scale of Russian losses in Ukraine and tighten control over foreign media platforms operating in the country, notes Defence Blog. Russia loses around 1,000 soldiers on average each day, along with a significant amount of equipment, including tanks and artillery systems. Despite increasing military production, Russia is rapidly depleting its resources, forcing it to rely on supplies from countries like Iran and North Korea.
According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks and approximately 5,600 armoured vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles. In 2023 alone, the Russian army lost about 1,120 tanks and around 2,000 armoured vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that in the first two months of the war, Russia lost about 21,800 soldiers, 873 tanks, 2,238 armoured vehicles, 179 aircraft, and 154 helicopters. However, it is worth noting that these figures may vary depending on the source and timing of their publication.
