The Russian Ministry of Digital Development advised users of Google services to back up their data
Google’s parent company Alphabet has restricted the creation of new accounts for Russian users, state news agencies reported today, citing the Russian Ministry of Digital Development.
Google has been under pressure in Russia for years, mainly for not removing content that Moscow considers illegal and for blocking channels featuring Russian media and public figures on YouTube after Moscow invaded Ukraine. “The ministry confirms that Google has restricted the creation of new accounts. Telecommunications operators have also recorded a significant decrease in the number of text messages sent by the company to Russian users,” Interfax reported, citing the Ministry of Digital Development.
Both Google and the Russian Ministry of Digital Development did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The ministry advised users of Google services to back up their data, as well as switch to alternative two-factor authentication methods in systems or use national platforms.
