Google faces legal action in Russia over YouTube video on war casualties

In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Google was advancing Western interests, accusing the company of acting as a proxy for the Biden-led US government to interfere in Russia’s internal matters

A Moscow court has ruled against tech giant Google, citing the unauthorized disclosure of personal information related to Russian servicemen who died in the Ukraine conflict. The decision follows the circulation of a YouTube video allegedly containing sensitive data, including names and casualty details, state news agency TASS reported.

Court documents indicated that the video violated Russian laws safeguarding personal data and military information. The ruling adds to a series of legal actions taken by Russian authorities against global digital platforms.

In recent years, Russia has tightened its regulatory grip on foreign tech companies, demanding the removal of content it deems illegal or misleading—particularly material concerning its military operations in Ukraine. While fines imposed are typically small, they form part of a broader campaign to assert digital sovereignty and control public narratives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously accused Google of aligning with Western political interests. In a statement last December, he criticized the platform as a tool allegedly used by the US government, then led by President Joe Biden, to interfere in Russian affairs.

Google has not commented publicly on the court’s verdict yet.