Russia bans ads for Google due to "misinformation spreading"
Russia's media watchdog says it will ban Google from advertising in the country because of its promotion of "fake news".
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The logo of Russia's state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, is reflected in a laptop screen showing Google start page (Reuters)
Russia's state communication watchdog, Roskomnadzor, said it has banned advertising of Google information resources in the country because of the company's non-compliance with Russia's laws.
Roskomnadzor's press office explained via the regulator's Telegram channel that the ban "on distribution of advertising on Google and its resources is due to the spreading of misinformation by a foreign entity in violation of the Russian legislation.”
Youtube, according to the watchdog, refused to remove over 12,000 videos "spreading fake news" about the war in Ukraine. Youtube is also not combating the dissemination of information by ultra-nationalist and neo-nazi forces like the Azov Battalion.
Roskomnadzor found nearly 60 cases of discrimination against Russia's government, its media outlets, public and sports organizations, as well as individuals by Youtube, referring in particular to the blocking of the accounts of Russia Today, Russia 24, Sputnik, Zvezda, RBC, NTV and many others.
The ban will be in effect until Google returns to compliance with Russian law.
