Russia fines Telegram and Google

Russian courts have fined two major technology companies – Telegram and Google – for breaching domestic content laws.

Telegram has been ordered to pay seven million roubles after authorities said it failed to remove posts relating to alcohol and LGBT issues, which Moscow deems illegal.

The platform is highly popular in Russia, but has long been under pressure from the state, which accuses it of not doing enough to curb what it describes as extremist content.

Google, part of the Alphabet group, received a larger fine. It must pay more than 22 million roubles for permitting the distribution of VPN services via the Google Play store. Such services allow users in Russia to access foreign websites and applications blocked in the country.

According to the state news agency TASS, both rulings form part of the Kremlin’s broader effort to tighten control over the online sphere.

(reuters, pir)