Google bans Russian state-owned media outlets from getting ads-generated money. The decision would apply on its search engine and video platform, YouTube.
Google bans Russia Today
According to Alphabet, Google decided to stop Russia Today from receiving money for ads on Google and YouTube. Thus, the video channel platform cited “extraordinary circumstances.” So, it “was pausing a number of channel’s ability to monetize on YouTube. The measure applies mainly to those channels which are affiliated with EU’s sanctions.
Morever, Google also stopped the possibility for the Russian state media outlets to use its ad technology. As a result, they can not generate revenue on their websites and apps.
Also, the Russian media can not buy or place ads on any Google services. According to Michael Aciman spokesman, “We will take further steps if necessary.”
EU sanctioned individuals from Russian media outlets
Google bans comes after the European Union decided sanctions on people that spread the Russian propaganda. So, one of them is Margarita Simonyan, RT’s editor-in-chief, named as “a central figure” of the Russian propaganda.
Furthermore, Google’s video platform will recommend less videos from affected media. Farsgad Shadloo, YouTube’s spokesperson said that RT and other channels will no longer be accessible in Ukraine. This was a request from the Ukrainian government.
Ukrainian minister asked for the block of propagandistic channels
On Saturday, Ukraine Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Twitter he contacted Google and YouTube. Thus, his request was that they should “block the propagandist Russian channels.” Among them, he mentioned Russia 24, TASS and RIA Novosti.
For years lawmakers have struggled to have more action on channels linked to the Russian government. So, their main concern was that these channels spread misinformation and profit by it. Still, this is the first time when Google reacts.
According to the estimates, Russia received between $7 and $32 million in two years from ads across 26 YouTube channels.
So, Google’s move comes just after Facebook blocked Russian state media from its ads and revenue earning systems.
