Tensions between the Kremlin and the West over the battle in Ukraine have led to a series of fines against Google, the largest internet company in the United States. On Tuesday, a Moscow court penalised Google for failing to store personal data on its Russian users.
After Google consistently refused to retain Russian residents' personal data domestically, a Moscow magistrate at the Tagansky district court fined the firm 15 million rubles, or roughly $164,200. In August 2021 and June 2022, Google was previously penalised for the same offences. Commenting was not allowed by the firm.
In August, Google was also mandated to pay a fine of 3 million rubles, or around $32,800, for neglecting to remove purportedly inappropriate content regarding the Ukrainian crisis.
As Google's operations in Russia were essentially shut down last year due to Moscow's troop incursions into Ukraine, Russia has limited ability to pursue the fine. After the authorities seized its bank account, the company said it was unable to pay its employees and suppliers and filed for bankruptcy in Russia.
The Wikimedia Foundation, which runs Wikipedia, and Apple have also been penalised by Russian courts. Russian authorities have implemented steps aimed at suppressing criticism of the war campaign since dispatching troops into Ukraine in February 2022.
There have been harsh penalties meted out to certain detractors. As a result of his statements criticising Russia's actions in Ukraine, opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza was found guilty of treason this year and given a 25-year prison sentence.
Artist and musician Sasha Skochilenko, a native of St. Petersburg, is accused of fabricating evidence against the military by posting protest slogans on grocery store price tags. Her eight years in prison are what the prosecution is requesting.
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