Russia increases pressure on foreign tech companies by filing lawsuits for violations of local regulations. Recent actions target Pinterest, Twitch, and Google.
Overview of the Lawsuits
According to a Reuters report, a Russian court has imposed fines on social networking sites Pinterest and Twitch for violating local internet regulations.
Pinterest is required to pay 10 million rubles (approximately $123,692), while Twitch was fined 61 million rubles ($770,000).
These lawsuits come shortly after Wikimedia Foundation was fined six million rubles ($75,000) for failing to comply with the requirements set by Roskomnadzor.
Google's Legal Troubles in Russia
Google was also fined 7 million rubles ($86,585) for allegedly violating local internet regulations. This follows a much larger fine of 20 decillion rubles for blocking Russian state media channels on YouTube. This litigation follows ongoing tensions between Google and Russian authorities since 2020, intensifying post-Ukraine invasion.
Long-term Campaign Against Foreign Tech
Since the Ukraine invasion in 2022, Russia has initiated a campaign against foreign tech companies, particularly American ones, imposing fines and litigation. Earlier, companies like Meta, YouTube, and Twitter faced extreme scrutiny and were labeled 'extremist'.
Despite a temporary easing of penalties early in 2023, the recent escalation indicates continued tensions, with many companies opting to exit the Russian market altogether.
The lawsuits initiated by Russia against foreign companies highlight significant tensions in international relations, suggesting a potential for further changes within the country's digital landscape and the actions of Western tech giants.
