Google has taken steps to remove advertisements in Russia following a direct callout via the latter's governmental body, Roskomnadzor, which threatened the company to cease "false advertisements" on the still-ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The pause will effect Google services, such as search, YouTube, and display marketing.
Not mere days prior, Google had likewise closed down the advertisement operations of Russian state media content, disallowing the country from buying or selling ads via Google technology. It also started blocking most ads that dealt with the conflict as Google saw potential nefarious bodies utilizing the turmoil for financial incentive, which is highlighted in the sensitive events policy.
In a statement released on Friday, Google relayed the following message: "In light of the extraordinary circumstances, we're pausing Google ads in Russia. The situation is evolving quickly, and we will continue to share updates when appropriate."
According to Reuters (via SPARk business database), turnover in Russia circa 2020 amounted to nearly $790 million, or 85.5 billion roubles, in Google ad revenue. The tech giant had to cough up a whopping 32 million roubles from fines based on content violations presented by Moscow, which has previously set restricted access to platforms such as Google when not complying.
Google isn't the first tech company to move on the Russia-Ukraine situation, as both Twitter and Snap Inc. both have cut online ad revenue in the country. Similarly, Microsoft, PlayStation, and Valve have all ceased operations of services and products in Russia amid the still-escalating conflict.
