Google Fined IDR 675 Million By Russia For Saving Illegal Content On YouTube

Google was fined for YouTube content (photo: dock. unsplash)

JAKARTA Google was fined by a Russian court for storing illegal content on YouTube. This content is considered detrimental to the state, especially the Russian army, so that the fine reaches 3.8 million rubles (Rp 675 million).

YouTube is accused of hosting content that includes video instructions for the Russian army to surrender, according to a Russian media report by TASS quoted via Reuters. Google has yet to provide a statement regarding the fine's decision.

In recent years, relations between Google and Russia have not gone well as local governments continue to press content on YouTube platforms. Russia often orders YouTube and other foreign technology platforms to remove certain content.

These content that need to be removed are considered fake news. One of the content that Russia says is inappropriate and needs to disband is war in Ukraine. If this content is allowed to circulate, the court will impose fines like those experienced by Google.

The fines Russia provides are usually small, but they are still felt because the fines are given continuously. Therefore, tech companies are trying to comply with Russia's request even though some content still manages to qualify.

However, the relationship between Google and Russia is indeed slightly different. The company is accused of being a political tool for the US government by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Therefore, Russia does not really like YouTube's presence in the country.

In fact, the local government is suspected of preventing access to YouTube because users in Russia suddenly find it difficult to watch on YouTube. This happened because of the very slow speed of downloading content. However, Russia had denied this allegation.