Google to Deactivate Russia-Based AdSense Accounts
In a significant move, Google has announced the deactivation of AdSense accounts in Russia, citing an inability to continue payments to users of its advertising service within the country. This decision impacts website and content owners, including YouTube creators, who rely on AdSense to generate revenue through advertisements managed by Google.
According to a Google spokesperson, "Due to ongoing developments in Russia, we will no longer be able to make payments to Russia-based AdSense accounts that have been able to continue monetising traffic outside of Russia." The company plans to deactivate these accounts effective August 2024.
Impact on Content Creators
The news comes as a blow to Russian content creators who have been using Google's platform to earn money. A notification sent to the affected accounts specified that "July earnings will be disbursed around 21–26 of August, assuming there are no active payment holds and the minimum payment thresholds are met." This final payment cycle highlights the closure of a revenue stream for many.
Reason Behind the Decision
While Google did not detail specific developments leading to this decision, it is noted that Russia has experienced slower speeds on YouTube in recent weeks. Russian lawmakers have attributed this slowdown to Google's alleged failure to upgrade its local infrastructure since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine—an accusation that both Google and technology experts have challenged.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
Google's relationship with Russia has been strained for several years. In March 2022, the company ceased serving ads to Russian users and halted monetisation of content related to Russia's war in Ukraine that exploited or condoned the conflict. Since then, over 1,000 YouTube channels and 5.5 million videos have been blocked for violating policies.
Russian authorities, keen on controlling the narrative, have intensified pressure on digital platforms. Notably, a law passed in March prohibits advertising on platforms designated as "foreign agents," affecting anti-Kremlin politicians, activists, and media.
Reactions and Criticisms
Russian lawmaker Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the parliamentary committee on information policy, criticized Google for what he described as dividing the online space into "us" and "them." He stated, "Google has continued to segregate citizens according to nationality, completely closing off the possibility of monetisation for Russians."
This development underscores the complex dynamics between technology platforms and geopolitical tensions, with significant implications for the future of online media and freedom of expression in Russia.
