Google has begun deactivating AdSense accounts linked to Russian users, marking the latest development in Google’s ongoing conflict with Russian authorities, a battle that has intensified since the onset of Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Google has communicated to Russian account holders that final payments will be processed between August 21 and 26, provided they meet the required thresholds and have no active payment holds.
As reported by Reuters, this shutdown signifies a substantial blow for Russian creators, hampering their ability to monetise digital content. The decision impacts accounts utilising Google’s AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager platforms, effectively cutting off a crucial revenue stream for bloggers, website owners, and YouTubers in Russia.
The move is particularly impactful as many creators who had managed to continue generating income despite previous sanctions will now face a complete loss of revenue.
“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,” said a Google spokesperson. “As a result, we will be deactivating these accounts effective August 2024.”
Google’s decision is the latest in a series of measures the company has taken against Russian digital entities following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The tech giant initially paused monetisation for state-funded Russian media outlets in February 2022 and soon expanded these restrictions to cover all ads within Russia.
In March 2022, Google went further by suspending the creation of new Russia-based AdSense accounts and blocking ads originating from Russia on a global scale.
These actions have not been without consequences. In retaliation, Russia seized Google’s bank account, forcing the shutdown of Google Russia in May 2022. Since then, the company has continued to crack down on Russian digital content, blocking over 1,000 YouTube channels, including those affiliated with the Russian state, and removing millions of videos violating its policies.
While Google has remained tight-lipped about the reasons behind the recent AdSense termination, the move comes after a new Russian law enacted in March 2024. This law bans advertising on any online platform operated by a ‘foreign agent,’ a term that can encompass anti-Kremlin figures, activists, and independent media, reports ArsTechnica.
The legislation appears to have granted Russian authorities new powers to exert pressure on tech companies like Google, potentially leading to the termination of AdSense services as a preemptive measure.
Russian authorities have justified these laws as necessary to stop financing entities that they claim are responsible for endangering Russian citizens and soldiers.
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