Russian regulator says it will fine Google over Ukraine war videos

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

The Washington Post reported that Russia's communications regulators threatened to fine the internet giant if it didn't comply with the country's orders to remove illegal videos. In a translated version of its post on Telegram, the Roskomnadzor warns that it may fine the tech company up to 8 million rubles (about $94,000USD), an amount that will increase to 20 percent of the company's annual revenue in case of a repeat offense.

The platform is accused of promoting the distribution of false content about a special military operation in Ukraine. It also says that there are calls to carry out violent actions against Russian servicemen on YouTube.

It's not clear which video the communications watchdog is referring to, but it's likely related to a complaint made earlier this month. The actions of the YouTube administration are of a terrorist nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens.

Russia has been the subject of a number of actions by YouTube. The platform has adjusted its policies to demonetize the channels belonging toRT and other Russian state-backed media outlets and is barring access to videos posted by these channels. Russia's military account was suspended by YouTube after it posted two videos calling the war in Ukraine a liberation mission. Russia's Ministry of Defence has a channel on YouTube that was banned.

Similar actions have been taken to de-platform media outlets run by the Russian government. Russia banned the two social services because they started allowing users in certain countries to call for violence against Russian soldiers.

It's not clear whether the internet giant has responded to the threats. A request for comment was made by The Verge, but they didn't hear back.