Google bars RT_ other Russian channels from monetization

Google has barred Russia s state-owned media outlet RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites_ apps and YouTube videos_ similar to a move by Facebook after the invasion of Ukraine.

Citing  extraordinary circumstances_ Google s YouTube unit said it was  pausing a number of channels ability to monetize on YouTube. These included several Russian channels affiliated with recent sanctions_ such as those by the European Union.

Ad placement is largely controlled by YouTube_ reports Reuters.

Google added later that it was also barring Russian state-funded media outlets from using its ad technology to generate revenue on their own websites and apps.

In addition_ the Russian media will not be able to buy ads through Google Tools or place ads on Google services such as search and Gmail_ spokesman Michael Aciman said.

 We re actively monitoring new developments and will take further steps if necessary_ Aciman said.

On Wednesday_ the European Union unveiled sanctions on individuals such as Margarita Simonyan_ whom it called RT s editor-in-chief and  a central figure of Russian propaganda.

Videos from affected media will also come up less often in recommendations_ YouTube spokesperson Farshad Shadloo said. He added that RT and several other channels would no longer be accessible in Ukraine after a Ukrainian government request.

On Saturday_ Ukraine Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Twitter he contacted YouTube  to block the propagandist Russian channels  such as Russia 24_ TASS_ RIA Novosti.

RT and Simonyan did not respond to requests for comment. YouTube declined to identify the other channels restricted.

For years_ lawmakers and some users have urged Google for more action on channels linked to the Russian government_ concerned that they spread misinformation and should not profit by it.

Russia received an estimated $7 million to $32 million over the two years to December 2018 from ads across 26 YouTube channels it backed_ digital researcher Omelas told Reuters at the time.

YouTube has previously said it did not treat state-funded media channels that comply with its rules differently from others when it comes to sharing ad revenue.

On Friday_ Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc barred Russian state media from running ads or generating revenue from ads on its services.