Russia announced on Tuesday that it would fine tech giant Google, a percentage of its yearly Russian turnover for failing to erase content deemed illegal on multiple occasions.
This is Moscow’s most serious attempt yet to rein in foreign tech companies.
Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, claimed Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in fines so far this year, and that it would now pursue a charge of between 5% and 20% of Google’s Russian turnover.
The revenue might exceed $240 million, which would be a considerable rise.
A request for comment from Google was not immediately returned.
Russia has increased its pressure on foreign tech firms in order to gain greater control.
Since March, the action has been slowing down Twitter’s speed and fining others for content infractions.
After removing an anti-government tactical voting app from their shops, opposition groups have accused Alphabet’s Google and Apple of succumbing to Kremlin pressure.
Roskomnadzor announced earlier this month that it would approach a court to order Facebook to pay a turnover charge, using laws approved by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020.
“In October, a similar case against Google will be prepared,” Roskomnadzor said in an emailed statement to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the corporation also owns video-hosting site YouTube.
