On Thursday night, Google announced that it has suspended all online advertising activities in Russia.
Google’s ban on Russian state media channels’ advertising sales on Saturday is the latest in a series of sanctions against the country following its invasion of Ukraine.
Google suspends all advertising in Russia
According to The Wall Street Journal, Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor “demanded that Google stop showing such ads and change its ad-moderation policies, but didn’t say it would block YouTube if it doesn’t comply.”
The new policy against Russia goes further than Google’s previous action of demonetizing Russian state media by blocking them from earning money by selling advertising on YouTube and using Google’s ad network on the web, as it applies to all ad sales.
“In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we’re pausing Google ads in Russia. The situation is evolving quickly, and we will continue to share updates when appropriate,” Google said in a statement.
On Friday, the Kremlin will hold a special session to consider a bill that would punish “unauthorized” reporting on Russia’s occupation of Ukraine with up to 15 years in prison.
