The Russian telecom regulator announced on Thursday that Google has been banned from advertising in Russia and has accused the YouTube platform of spreading false information about Russian forces in Ukraine.

Moscow has launched a crackdown at all levels to prevent the publication of information that does not fit the official line.

Roskomnadzor justifies Roskomnadzor, who also criticizes the video site for publishing content from “Ukrainian extremists”, by stating that “YouTube has become a key platform to spread ‘fake news’ about the special military operation on Ukrainian soil and discredit the Russian Armed Forces.”

The regulator also accuses Google of censoring Russian state media, whose YouTube channels have been shut down.

As a result, Google will no longer have the right to “advertise Google LLC and its platforms” in Russia. Also, Russian search engines will have to point out that Google and its affiliates violate Russian law when searching for their names.

These measures are far less serious than those taken against other Internet giants due to similar allegations. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are blocked in Russia.

Currently on this subject, the dissemination of information that discredits the Russian Army today can lead to prison sentences of up to 15 years.