Russia penalties Google for refusing to store user data on servers

A Moscow court fined Google 15 million roubles ($164,000) on Tuesday for repeatedly refusing to store Russian users’ data on Russian servers.

Russia has regularly clashed with Western technology companies over content, censorship, data, and local representation in a simmering confrontation that erupted after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

Google’s Russian unit has faced criticisms in Russia for failing to delete content deemed illegal by Moscow and for restricting access to select Russian media on YouTube.

The Russian arm of the technological company declared bankruptcy in summer 2022 after authorities seized its bank account, making it impossible to pay employees and vendors.

While the Kremlin has blocked access to some sites, including Twitter and Facebook, it has not blocked access to Google’s services, and its search engine and YouTube platform, both of which are free, have continued to operate.

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