A Russian court has imposed a fine Alphabet‘S Google 3 million rubles (roughly Rs. 31 lakhs) on Thursday for failing to remove. youtube Russian news agencies reported that the video promoted “LGBT propaganda” and “false information” about Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Moscow has imposed dozens of fines against Western tech companies over the past year as part of a campaign to step up control over what Russian Internet users see online.
As well as passing strict censorship laws shortly after sending troops into Ukraine, Russia also last year strengthened its laws against “promoting LGBT propaganda”.
Under the new law, which broadens Russia’s interpretation of what qualifies as “LGBT propaganda” and has been heavily criticized by independent human rights groups, any action or dissemination of any information publicly, online, or in public that is homophobic Considered an attempt to promote In movies, books or advertising, heavy fines can result.
Russian prosecutors said Google had refused to remove several videos posted to YouTube, including one by a blogger deemed a “foreign agent” by Moscow, showing gay couples raising children and living in St. Petersburg. About the LGBT community, TASS news agency reported.
Alphabet’s Google’s Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy last year after authorities seized its bank accounts in December 2021 after being fined RUB 7.2 billion (roughly Rs. 767 crores). ,
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