Google follows YouTube in cutting off ad revenue to Russian state media

As the Ukraine conflict worsens, social media companies are rushing to control misinformation and Russian official propaganda. Over the last few days, YouTube has banned hundreds of channels and thousands of videos, according to a YouTube representative, including channels for coordinated fraudulent behavior.

Feb 28, 2022 - 12:03 Updated: Feb 28, 2022 - 13:13

Google follows YouTube in cutting off ad revenue to Russian state media

Following a similar decision by Google's video subsidiary, YouTube, on Saturday, the internet giant would no longer allow Russian state media stations to carry adverts.

"We are stopping Google monetization of Russian state-funded media across our platforms in reaction to the situation in Ukraine," Google stated in a statement to CNN Business on Sunday. "We're keeping a close eye on fresh developments and will take appropriate action if necessary."

The announcement is the latest setback for Russia-linked media, following a barrage of criticism thrown at Big Tech platforms in the last week for continuing to monetize despite Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

YouTube announced this weekend that it will temporarily suspend the ability of several Russian channels, notably the state-sponsored RT, to monetize their material on the platform. It will also "seriously restrict" recommendations to certain channels, according to the statement.

As the Ukraine conflict worsens, social media companies are rushing to control misinformation and Russian official propaganda. Over the last few days, YouTube has banned hundreds of channels and thousands of videos, according to a YouTube representative, including channels for coordinated fraudulent behavior.

The action by Google comes after Meta (FB) restricted Russian state media's ability to post ads and monetize them on its platform on Friday. Nathaniel Gleicher, Meta's head of security policy, stated on Twitter on Saturday that the company will continue to flag more Russian state media articles.

After accusing Facebook of unlawful censorship, the Russian government decided to "partially restrict" Facebook access in the country on Friday. Facebook "violated the rights and freedoms of Russian residents," according to Russia's Ministry of Communications, which claims the social media platform censored many Russian news outlets on Thursday.

In response to the allegations, Meta global affairs president Nick Clegg said on Friday that Russia had ordered the company to "stop the independent fact-checking and labeling" of four Russian outlets.

"We refused," Clegg said in a statement. "Ordinary Russians are using our apps to express themselves and organize for action. We want them to continue to make their voices heard, share what's happening, and organize."

Google Maps in Ukraine

Separately, Google Maps has restricted two services in Ukraine that deliver real-time information to users, according to a statement released by the company on Sunday.
According to Google, the modification was made to help keep Ukrainians safe and after consultations with local officials.

The company's live traffic overlay, which some researchers have used to follow the fight from afar, as well as Live Busyness, a tool that shows how popular an area is at any one time, have been deactivated.

According to Google, traffic updates are still accessible in Ukraine when using Google Maps navigation mode.