A Moscow court has found tech giant Google guilty of disclosing personal data related to Russian servicemen who died in Ukraine, according to a report by Russia’s state-owned news agency, TASS.
The ruling centers on a video published on YouTube that allegedly revealed sensitive information about the country’s military losses, including the identities of those involved. The court documents stated that the video violated Russia’s laws governing the dissemination of personal and military information.
The decision marks another chapter in the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to tighten control over foreign tech platforms operating within the country. In recent years, Russia has consistently demanded the removal of content it considers illegal, including what it describes as “false” or “extremist” material related to the war in Ukraine. Non-compliance typically results in a series of fines or legal action.
Google, owned by Alphabet Inc., had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
Tensions between Russia and foreign tech companies have continued to escalate. In December, President Vladimir Putin accused Google of acting as a tool of U.S. political interests during the administration of then-President Joe Biden.
While the fine imposed by the Moscow court may be relatively small, it signals Russia’s growing intolerance toward international platforms that do not conform to its strict information policies.
Source: Reuters
