Roskomnadzor has banned Google News for “spreading inaccurate information†on the current war in Ukraine. The entire news.google.com website is blocked by the restriction.
“Based on a request from the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, Roskomnadzor has restricted access to the Internet service News.Google (sic) in the country†the Russian Internet watchdog told Interfax.
According to sources, the US online news resource allowed access to a plethora of publications and materials containing “incorrect†information about the special military operation in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also signed new legislation that makes it illegal to spread news or reports discrediting the army’s operation in Ukraine. It was stated that if people are found guilty, they can end up in prison for 15 years.
The Russian government blocked many websites and social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, earlier this month.
Google had already blocked the Russian state-sponsored news app RT from its Ukrainian Play store to combat the spread of disinformation surrounding the invasion.
