Russia Demands Google To Stop Circulating Threats Against Its Citizens

Google removed an advertisement that was flagged by the Russian Govt.

Amidst the Russia- Ukraine crises, Russia demanded that Google stop spreading what it called threats against Russian citizens on its YouTube video-sharing platform, a move that could presage an outright block of the service on Russian territory.

The regulator, Roskomnadzor, said adverts on the platform were calling for the communications systems of Russia and Belarus' railway networks to be suspended and that their dissemination was evidence of the US company's anti-Russian position. It did not say which accounts were publishing the adverts.

Moreover, the Russian regulator added, "The actions of YouTube's administration are of a terrorist nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens."

"Roskomnadzor categorically opposes such advertising campaigns and demands that Google stops broadcasting anti-Russia videos as soon as possible."

Looking into the situation, Google removed an advertisement that was flagged by the Russian government, according to a source familiar with the matter who declined to describe it.

The dispute was the latest in a series between Moscow and foreign tech firms over Ukraine.

YouTube, which has blocked Russian state-funded media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russia's communications regulator and politicians.

The outraged that Meta was allowing social media users in Ukraine to post messages such as "Death to the Russian invaders", Moscow blocked Instagram this week, having already stopped access to Facebook because of what it said were restrictions by the platform on Russian media.

Russian news media including RIA and Sputnik quoted an unnamed source as saying YouTube could be blocked next week or as early as Friday.

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday wrote a fierce criticism of foreign social media firms, mentioning by name both Meta and YouTube, but he hinted that the door leading to their possible return to the Russian market would be left ajar.