Moscow- Russia fined google for failure to delete content considered illegal in Russia. It is for the first time that Russia has hit any giant technology firm with a fine based on its annual turnover. However, Google didn’t respond to the fine. Google told the AFP news agency that it would study court ruling before taking any further steps. Russian authorities have increased pressure on tech firms. Also, accused them of not controlling their content and interfering in Russian internal affairs.  After an hour of the announcement, a 2bn rouble fine was handed to Meta for a similar content-related matter. Likewise, Twitter also received a 3m rouble fine for the offense.

Google was threatened previously for not deleting 26,000 unlawful content. The Russian media watchdog said to slow down the speed of google. The content is believe to be related to drugs, violence, and extremism. Russian President Vladimir Putin has given the government more control over what its citizen can access. He calls it sovereign internet which must follow certain rules set by the government.

Criticism on the Country’s campaign against tech firms  

Meanwhile, people are criticizing the country’s campaign to compress free speech and online disagreement. Moreover, dozens of websites are block by the country’s media regulators. These websites are link to the famous opposition leader Alexei Navalny, whose campaign is the target of the government. His supporters are also label as, ‘’extremist’’. The government put pressure on Apple and Google to remove app dedicated to Navalny’s ‘’Smart Voting’’ campaign. Through the app, Navalny gave users advice on tactical voting.

Additionally, LinkedIn and Dailymotion were block in Russia upon refusal to co-operate with the authorities. Six major providers of virtual personal Networks are ban. users use them to conceal their online activities. Russia has also introduce a new law that requires new smartphones, computers, and smart devices to be pre-install with Russian-made software and app.