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The Russian courts previously fined Google, Meta, TikTok, Telegram, and YouTube and later passed a new law, putting a limit to war coverage. The new decree effectively blocked BBC News broadcasting corporation and Facebook as well.
Now, it appears that Google, TikTok, and Meta have already settled their fines with the Russian administration because the names of these tech firms are no longer found in the state bailiff's database for debtors. They are not registered as groups that owe Russia some money, as per Reuters.
Database of Fined Tech Firms
The publication said it was able to access the database. Hence, it was able to confirm that Google, Meta, TikTok, and other firms they control were already removed as registered debtors. Reuters said it saw the list on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
It was reported that while the mentioned tech companies were erased from the Russian database, it was observed that Elon Musk's X social media platform and Twitch are still listed. Their respective fines of 51 million roubles, or $560,730, and 23 million roubles, or $252,879, are also indicated.
New Censorship Laws
Interesting Engineering reported that in the latter part of 2023, a court in Russia imposed a fine on Google, requiring it to pay 4.6 billion roubles or around $50.4 million. On the other hand, Meta was also penalized after it was branded "extremist" in 2022, and the amount corresponds to its Russian revenue.
The country reportedly took censorship to new heights by further restricting coverage of the ongoing war. It has blocked access to foreign media, and President Vladimir Putin signed a new law that criminalizes public opposition or independent news outlets reporting about the Ukraine war.
Offenders face imprisonment of up to 15 years. The new decree took effect immediately, and social media owned by major tech firms were affected. They can now be punished with hefty fines for spreading "false information" according to Russian standards.
Photo by: Pawel Czerwinski/Unsplash
