A Moscow court has fined Google more than 7.2 billion rubles (87 million euros) for systematically refusing to remove information that Russia considers illegal, world news agencies reported.
This is the first such fine imposed in Russia.
This year, Russia has stepped up pressure on major technology companies. Critics say the campaign is an attempt by Moscow to tighten control over the Internet, which could restrict individual and corporate freedoms, according to Reuters.
According to Roskomnadzor, since the beginning of the year, Google has drawn up 16 protocols for the systematic non-removal of information banned in Russia. In such cases, the fine is determined by the court, and it can amount to 5 to 10 percent of the company’s annual profit. For the previous year, the turnover of the Russian office of Google has exceeded 85 billion rubles.
Roskomnadzor has launched a similar procedure against Facebook.
