Google has decided to suspend the sale of contextual advertising in Russia. The ban will affect all the company’s services, including search, YouTube and partner networks.This was reported on March 4 by Reuters with reference to the official statement of Google.
“In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we are suspending Google advertising in Russia. The situation is developing rapidly, and we will continue to notify about changes if necessary,” Google commented on its decision.
Such messages began to appear today in the Google advertising cabinetYouTube has also started sending notifications to Russian channel owners that “authors will temporarily stop receiving advertising revenue for views received in Russia.”
On February 28, Roskomnadzor demanded that Google restrict access to material in Google Ads, which, according to the agency, contain “false information about numerous victims among Russian servicemen, as well as the civilian population of Ukraine.” The regulator also threatened to block all sites hosting such ads.
The other day, Google blocked RT and Sputnik YouTube channels in Europe, after which it removed their apps from the Play Store.
Yesterday, Roskomnadzor also demanded that Google stop distributing advertising messages on YouTube that “contain misinformation aimed at forming a distorted perception of events in the Russian Internet audience and creating protest moods.”
Google has repeatedly faced restrictive requests from the Russian regulator. According to Reuters, only last year the company paid fines in excess of 32 million rubles.