On Wednesday, March 23, 2022, the Russian information technology and media regulator blocked access to Google News in Russia. The service is accused of relaying information that does not correspond to the national novel.
After Facebook, Instagram, or even hovering threats on Wikipedia, the Kremlin has Google in its sights this time. Russian media and telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor has restricted access to Google News, Google’s news aggregator. The service is accused of providing access to “false“information on the progress of Russian military operations in Ukraine. Google indicates that it has”worked hard to keep news services like News accessible to people in Russia for as long as possible“.
“Based on a request from the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, Roskomnadzor restricted access to the News.Google internet service in the countryindicates the press release of the Russian authority. The mentioned American internet news source gave access to numerous publications and documents containing unreliable information of public importance on the conduct of the special military operation in Ukraine“.
This decision is the logical continuation of statements by Roskomnadzor, who a few days earlier had accused Google and its YouTube video service of “terrorists“. The video platform may also be restricted soon.
Since the beginning of the conflict, Russia has closed one by one the foreign services which do not advocate a positive discourse for the Kremlin. Facebook and Instagram have been blocked after the two social networks eased their moderation policy on hate speech aimed at Russia and Putin. The Russian Parliament also passed amendments introducing fines and prison terms for any Russian citizen or resident of Russia who disseminated information judged “lyingon the national army.