Russian authorities have blocked Google's bank account in the country. The Reuters news agency reports that it is no longer possible for the search engine operator to continue working in Russia.

Google has been in the sights of the authorities in Russia since March. The Russian media regulator has accused Google of “terrorist activities” and initiated a block. YouTube is also affected by this. The authority accuses the video platform of sharing calls to “disrupt rail traffic between Russia and Belarus ,” reports t-online

Google refuses to delete content that the Kremlin considers illegal.

In addition, Google and YouTube have restricted the profiles of some Russian state media such as RBK, NTW and TNT worldwide. Like other Western tech companies, Google stopped selling advertising and other commercial services in Russia after Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Since the Russian authorities have blocked or confiscated the US group's bank accounts, it is no longer possible to maintain operations and services. Google Russia plans to file for bankruptcy. Employees must be laid off. Free services such as the search function and YouTube as well as Gmail, Maps, Android and Play would remain available to Russian users.

Speculation about reasons for filing for bankruptcy

Google now has to pay a fine due. In December, Russia handed Google a 7.2 billion ruble lawsuit for its repeated failure to remove content Russia considers illegal. However, Google Russia cannot pay the fine due to the frozen accounts. It has not yet been confirmed whether this is the reason for the bankruptcy filing.

Since March 22, 2022, the Russian Google subsidiary has no longer been able to meet its financial obligations, reports the Reuters news agency. A corresponding declaration of intent to file for bankruptcy has been submitted to the Russian authorities.

Sources:
Reuters
Futurezone
T-Online

Also read: The Internet still works in Ukraine. Why actually?


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