Google Restricts New Accounts for Russian Users Amid Ongoing Tensions

Alphabet's Google has restricted new account creation for Russian users, as reported by Russia's digital ministry. The company has faced pressures for not removing content deemed illegal by Moscow and for blocking YouTube channels of Russian media. Google and Russia's digital ministry have not commented on the situation.

Alphabet's Google has curtailed the creation of new accounts for Russian users, according to Russia's digital ministry, cited by state news agencies on Thursday. The tech giant has been under scrutiny in Russia for years, especially for refusing to take down content that Moscow considers illegal and for blocking the YouTube channels of Russian media and public figures following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

'The ministry confirms that Google has restricted the creation of new accounts,' Interfax reported, quoting the digital ministry. 'Telecom operators have also observed a noticeable reduction in the number of SMS messages sent by the company to Russian users.' Requests for comments from Google and the ministry have yet to be answered.

The ministry further warned there was no assurance that SMS confirmations for two-factor authentication would continue to be functional. Consequently, it advised Google service users to back up their data and explore alternative two-factor authentication methods or domestic platforms. Google's recent actions include deactivating AdSense accounts in Russia in August and halting ad services to Russian users since March 2022, subsequently pausing monetisation of content related to Russia's war in Ukraine.

The tech company has also blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored news, and more than 5.5 million videos. In recent months, slower speeds have been noted on Google's YouTube platform in Russia, attributed to Google's alleged failure to upgrade equipment. However, the company and independent technology experts refute these claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)