Google has stopped selling ads in Russia altogether, according to Reuters. The tech giant’s decision applies to YouTube, search, and external publishing partners, extending the more restrictive ad bans it has implemented since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. “Under extraordinary circumstances, we are suspending Google ads in Russia,” the company told the news organization in a statement. “The situation is evolving rapidly and we will continue to share updates as appropriate.”
The tech giant blocked RT and other Russian channels from generating ad revenue on YouTube at the end of February. ban Russian state media can monetize their content on its platforms. It has also banned all kinds of ads that seek to take advantage of the situation, unless they are anti-war ads.
Google isn’t the only tech company that has implemented Ad-related changes Across the region. Twitter was quick pause advertising and recommendations in Russia and Ukraine after the invasion began “to ensure that critical public safety information is enhanced and that advertising does not detract from its value.” Facebook blocked Russian state media gave up running ads on its platform after the country’s authorities partial restriction access to social networks. More recently, it blocked access to RT and Sputnik in the EU and Ukraine before dismiss all Russian state media on its website around the world. Microsoft forbidden RT and Sputnik also withdrew from their advertising platforms and pulled their news apps from their stores.
Equal New York Times note, Google has been very careful with its decisions regarding Russia. It has more than 100 employees in the country, and Russian authorities have previously threatened to prosecute individuals if their employers fail to comply with their rules.
Google’s decision to ban all advertising sales in the country came shortly after the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor ordered the takedown of YouTube video ads it believes are spreading.” political disinformation” about Ukraine. According to a The Wall Street Journal Reportedly, Roskomnadzor is accusing YouTube of running “ad campaigns to misinform Russian audiences” and “to create false perceptions about current events.”
The regulator did not say whether it would restrict YouTube in Russia if Google didn’t comply, but Russian authorities have blocked websites that provide information that contradicts their country’s official narrative about it. The invasion. In addition to restricting access to Facebook in the country, the Russian government also limit everyone’s access to Twitter and before threatened to block Wikipedia.
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