Russia Fines Google 22 Million Rubles for VPN Apps
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 25 2026
0mins
Should l Buy GOOG?
Source: seekingalpha
- Fine Amount: Russia has imposed a fine of 22 million rubles (approximately $300,000) on Google for making VPN apps available on its Play Store, a move aimed at restricting user access to blocked social media applications, highlighting the government's strict control over internet content.
- Historical Fines: Google has faced staggering fines in Russia in recent years, including a symbolic fine of 91.5 quintillion rubles (around $1.2 trillion) in 2026 due to YouTube's restriction of pro-Kremlin channels, reflecting Russia's tough stance on foreign tech companies.
- Business Operations Halted: Google declared bankruptcy for its Russian unit in 2022 and ceased all commercial operations by October 2023, a decision that not only impacts the company's revenue stream but may also lead to a further decline in its market share in the region.
- Access Restrictions: Although Google Search and YouTube remain accessible in Russia, the government has intentionally slowed down internet speeds to these services, a strategy that not only affects user experience but could weaken Google's competitive position in the Russian market.
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Analyst Views on GOOG
Wall Street analysts forecast GOOG stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
14 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 294.900
Low
255.00
Averages
336.08
High
400.00
Current: 294.900
Low
255.00
Averages
336.08
High
400.00
About GOOG
Alphabet Inc. is a holding company. The Company's segments include Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets. The Google Services segment includes products and services such as ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Google Maps, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. The Google Cloud segment includes infrastructure and platform services, collaboration tools, and other services for enterprise customers. Its Other Bets segment is engaged in the sale of healthcare-related services and Internet services. Its Google Cloud provides enterprise-ready cloud services, including Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace. Google Cloud Platform provides access to solutions such as artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, including its AI infrastructure, Vertex AI platform, and Gemini for Google Cloud; cybersecurity, and data and analytics. Google Workspace includes cloud-based communication and collaboration tools for enterprises, such as Calendar, Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Meet.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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