Moscow has recently blocked access to Google News after accusing the site of circulating false news about the ongoing conflict amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war.
As per the reports, “the decision to block Google News came at the request of Russia’s Prosecutor-General’s Office. The office decided that the website “provided access to numerous publications & materials containing unreliable socially important information about the course of a full-scale military operation on the territory of Ukraine.”
The recent ban of Google News comes as Russia is already blocking several English-language websites, including Facebook & Instagram, since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in late February. Russian legislators also passed a new law that makes it illegal to report on events that could discredit the Russian forces.
Earlier, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, stated that they would block the advert payments to websites & YouTube videos that spread false or harmful information about the war.
Earlier last week, Russia had blamed Google and YouTube of “terrorist” activities. Russian authorities had already claimed that the video platform was broadcasting ‘anti-Russian videos’ amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Russia has already made an announcement about the ban on social media giants, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The restrictions on the sites came alongside an access ban on all independent media.
Raising concerns over videos on YouTube last week, Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor had blamed the site for letting users share adverts against the Russian administration, such as the clips that called for the suspension of communications systems of Russia and Belarus’ railway networks.