Russia fines Google $365 million over YouTube videos containing ‘prohibited’ content

Illustration by William Joel / The Verge

Russia imposed a $365 million fine on the internet company for failing to remove videos that violate the country's laws. In a translated press release, the Russian communications regulator states that YouTube didn't follow orders to remove "prohibited content."

The fee for failing to remove "illegal" videos on YouTube could be as high as 20 percent of the company's annual revenue, according to the Russian regulators. It is not clear if Google will actually pay the fine, as the amount of turnover in the country is not known. The Verge asked for comment from the company, but they didn't reply.

In May, the company announced that it was shutting down its Russian operations due to the government seizing its assets. The Russian subsidiary of the search giant was declared bankrupt last month.

There have been disagreements between Russia and the US. In December of last year, Russia fined Google $100 million for failing to remove banned content again. Russian customers were cut off from various services, including the sale of ads on the internet giant, as well as the demonetization of YouTube channels owned by the Russian state.