Court Imposes $45,000 Fine for Google’s Violation of Russian Information Laws
A Moscow court has hit Google with a significant fine for disclosing sensitive personal data of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The tech giant, owned by U.S.-based Alphabet Inc., faces growing scrutiny from Russian authorities over content related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The fine follows a ruling on April 21, 2025, in which the court determined Google violated Russian laws governing the protection of personal information.
The case stems from a YouTube video that allegedly revealed casualty figures and personal details of Russian servicemen killed during the invasion of Ukraine. The ruling highlights the ongoing tension between the Russian government and foreign tech platforms over content that the Kremlin deems politically sensitive or unlawful.
The Fine and Legal Basis Behind the Ruling
The Moscow court found Google guilty of breaching Article 13.41(2) of Russia’s administrative code. This law pertains to the violation of procedures for restricting access to information that must be limited under Russian law. As a result, Google was fined 3.8 million rubles (approximately $45,000) for failing to prevent the spread of such sensitive information.
While the fine is relatively small by international standards, it reflects the escalating pressure Russia has placed on foreign companies to adhere to its strict laws concerning content moderation. The Russian authorities have previously imposed similar fines on international platforms for content related to the war in Ukraine, labeling it as “fake news” or harmful to the state’s interests.
Tensions Between Russia and Google Over Content Censorship
The Russian government has consistently accused foreign tech platforms, including Google, of being political tools for Western governments. In December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized Google for allegedly aiding the U.S. administration under then-President Joe Biden. Putin claimed that platforms like YouTube were used to “score political points” against Russia, especially regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The recent court decision reflects the wider campaign by Russia to control the narrative around the conflict. Russian authorities have ramped up efforts to eliminate what they describe as “disinformation” about the war. Companies that fail to comply with these demands often face fines and legal action. However, these fines are often seen as a way to exert pressure, rather than delivering a substantial financial blow to global tech giants.
The Role of Mediazona and the Casualty Report
The case comes at a time when independent media outlets continue to report on the human cost of the war. Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, recently confirmed the identities of 101,833 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. The casualty figures span from the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, to April 7, 2025.
While Russian state-controlled media often downplay military losses, independent sources have provided more comprehensive and detailed accounts. Mediazona’s report highlighted the growing toll the war is taking on Russian forces, with the latest update showing that 1,882 more soldiers have died since March.
This level of reporting has contributed to the increasing sensitivity of Russian authorities to any information about the war that is not in line with their official narrative. The disclosure of such data by foreign platforms like Google only adds fuel to the fire, making the companies a target for legal and financial retaliation.
Impact on Foreign Tech Companies in Russia
This ruling is part of a larger trend of legal actions against foreign tech companies operating in Russia. Google has faced repeated pressure to comply with Russia’s stringent laws regarding the dissemination of information. In addition to the financial penalties, the company’s reputation and business operations in the country are constantly under scrutiny.
Tech platforms are now at a crossroads in Russia. On the one hand, they must adhere to local laws to maintain their presence in the market. On the other hand, they face growing criticism from international human rights groups and the global community for enabling the spread of government-controlled narratives and censorship. This delicate balancing act puts companies like Google in a difficult position.
