Google LLC, the multinational technology company, has been slapped with a double fine by the peace court of the Presnensky district of Moscow. The fine, amounting to 4 billion rubles, comes as a consequence of Google’s failure to pay a previous fine issued by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia.
The issue dates back to 2022 when FAS Russia found Google LLC guilty of violating antimonopoly norms. The investigation unraveled that YouTube’s handling of user accounts and content fell short of requirements pertaining to transparency, objectivity, and predictability.
Consequently, users were being subjected to unexpected account suspensions and content removals without advance notice or explanation. FAS Russia concluded that such conduct not only undermines user interests but also hinders fair competition in related markets.
FAS Russia, in its administrative investigation, imposed a fine of over 2 billion rubles on Google LLC for its abuse of dominance in the YouTube video hosting market.
Seeking to challenge the decision and fine, Google LLC filed a complaint with the court against FAS Russia’s ruling. However, the ninth arbitration court rejected Google’s plea. This verdict upholds the previous decision made by the antimonopoly service, which was also affirmed by the court of first instance.