Russia hits Google with fine over military info leak on YouTube
Russia has fined Google, accusing the company of spreading sensitive information about military losses in Ukraine, according to Defense Blog. A Moscow court ruled that Google violated Russian law by allowing the publication of content that revealed personal data of Russian soldiers killed during the so-called "special military operation."
According to a report from the Russian state news agency TASS on April 21, the court found that Google broke regulations forbidding the dissemination of information about the names and biographies of deceased Russian soldiers. The verdict emphasized that some YouTube videos contained this prohibited content.
Russia fined Google
Google was fined 3.8 million rubles (about $46,000) under Article 13.41, part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. Additional reasons for the penalty include YouTube videos offering instructions to Russian soldiers on how to surrender.
As explained by Defense Blog, Russian authorities claim that Google has amassed significant unpaid administrative fines, which local media describe as "2 undecillion rubles." This amount is increasing due to non-compliance with previous rulings. Russian officials stated that Google will be able to return to the Russian market only after fulfilling these obligations.
This latest move underscores the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to suppress information about the scale of Russian losses in Ukraine and to tighten control over foreign media platforms operating in the country, notes Defense Blog. Russia is reportedly losing about 1,000 soldiers on average each day, along with a considerable amount of equipment, including tanks and artillery systems. Despite increased military production, Russia is quickly depleting its resources, forcing it to rely on supplies from countries like Iran and North Korea.
According to data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia has lost over 3,000 tanks and approximately 5,600 armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles. In 2023 alone, the Russian army lost about 1,120 tanks and around 2,000 armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that in the first two months of the war, Russia lost about 21,800 soldiers, 873 tanks, 2,238 armored vehicles, 179 aircraft, and 154 helicopters. However, it is worth noting that these figures may vary depending on the source and timing of their publication.
