Key Points
- Google has restricted the creation of new accounts for Russian users.
- Telecom operators report a drop in SMS messages from Google, impacting 2FA.
- Russian users are advised to back up data and switch to alternative platforms or authentication methods.
- Google has deactivated AdSense accounts and paused ads in Russia since 2022.
Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google has taken a significant step in its ongoing conflict with Russian authorities. The tech giant has restricted the creation of new accounts for users in Russia, as reported by Russian state news agencies on Thursday. This move, amidst the ongoing conflict, adds to the gravity of the situation. Russian authorities have long been critical of Google for failing to remove content that the Russian government deems illegal. The tensions have escalated since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, with Google blocking YouTube channels linked to Russian media and public figures.
According to Russia’s Digital Ministry, Google’s recent restrictions have a direct impact on Russian users. The ability to create new accounts has been curtailed, and telecom operators have noted a significant drop in the number of SMS messages sent by Google to Russian users. This could potentially disrupt two-factor authentication (2FA) processes, a crucial security measure for many. The ministry expressed concerns that the current SMS confirmation system may not remain functional for longer, adding to the urgency of the situation for Russian users.
The ministry recommended that Google users in Russia take preventive measures, advising them to create backup copies of their data and switch to alternative two-factor authentication methods. They also encouraged users to migrate to domestic platforms as uncertainty looms over Google’s continued services in the country.
Google has not yet commented on the situation, and the ministry has not provided further details on the reasons behind the restrictions. However, this action follows a series of moves by Google to scale back its operations in Russia in response to political and regulatory pressures.
In August, Google deactivated AdSense accounts in Russia, further severing financial ties with the country. The U.S. tech company had already stopped serving ads to Russian users in March 2022, shortly after the invasion of Ukraine, and paused the monetization of content that supported or trivialized Russia’s actions in the war.
Additionally, Google has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels, including those associated with state-sponsored media, and removed over 5.5 million videos from the platform. Recently, Russian lawmakers have complained about slower speeds on YouTube, alleging that Google has failed to upgrade its equipment in the country. Google and technology experts have disputed these claims, suggesting other factors might be behind the reduced performance.
The strained relationship between Google and Russia reflects a broader global trend of tech companies facing regulatory challenges in countries with restrictive content and freedom of expression policies. For Russian users, the future of Google services remains uncertain as political tensions and digital sanctions unfold.
