Russia: Google has filed for bankruptcy

Google has filed for bankruptcy in Russia, citing the seizure of its local bank account by the Russian authorities. According to the IT giant, this means that its local office will no longer be able to operate.

In a statement to Mashable, a Google spokesperson said, “The Russian authorities’ seizure of Google Russia’s bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations.”

Added, “Google Russia has published a notice of its intention to file for bankruptcy. People in Russia rely on our services to access quality information and we’ll continue to keep free services such as Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, Android and Play available.”

Early in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, YouTube, which is controlled by Google parent firm Alphabet, demonetised Russian state-sponsored channels, lowering recommendations and prohibiting access from within Ukraine.

Following the Russian government’s accusation that Google was providing advertisements containing allegedly incorrect information about the invasion, Google suspended all advertising in the country.

However, Google’s services in Russia continued to function correctly, and the firm has since said that this will continue even after its Russian headquarters closes.

The explanation given by the Russian authorities for taking Google’s bank account is unclear. Google has been contacted by Mashable for further information.

Whatever the reason, it appears that halting much of Google’s Russian commercial activities to remove advertisements on Ukraine may not have been enough to win the Russian government’s favour.

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