Google Shuts Down Russia-Based AdSense Accounts

Google has decided to deactivate AdSense accounts for Russian websites starting August 2024. The move impacts businesses and content creators who have been relying on ad revenue. Google cites “ongoing developments in Russia” and the economic implications tied to military actions in Ukraine.

Sit tight, because if you thought Silicon Valley had enough political intrigue, wait until Big Tech slaps the Kremlin.

Russia’s AdSense Accounts Deactivated

In a significant move with simmering political undertones, Google has deactivated AdSense accounts for Russian websites, effective from August 2024. Russian webmasters were informed that AdSense commissions on traffic impressions would be discontinued starting September. This decision follows Google’s indication that this cut-off is due to “ongoing developments in Russia.”

The Financial Blow to Content Creators

For Russian content creators and businesses, this is more than a slap on the wrist—it’s a financial gut punch. Russian creators and publishers with AdSense accounts will receive their last earnings by August 26. Beyond that, any prospect of monetization will be abolished. The shutdown echoes the ongoing economic sanctions against Russia, amplified by its military maneuvers in Ukraine.

Google is shutting down all AdSense, AdMob, and Ad Manager accounts in Russia, halting payments to users due to the conflict with Ukraine. This will significantly impact Russian content creators, including YouTubers.https://t.co/YaIHZse7uY pic.twitter.com/ME5beGWBLy

— AlternativeTo (@AlternativeTo) August 13, 2024

Tensions Between Google and Russia

Google’s stance seems to align with the broader sanctions imposed on Russia by Western entities since the conflict started. From pausing monetization of state-funded Russian media in February 2022 to halting all ads in Russia and blocking ads globally originating from the country in March 2022, the tech giant is no stranger to taking a hardline approach. In retaliation, Russia seized Google’s bank account, resulting in the shutdown of Google Russia in May 2022.

Impact on Online Free Speech

This isn’t just about financial ramifications; it’s about the last vestiges of online free speech in Russia. Google has blocked more than 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored ones, and over 5.5 million videos. For Russian YouTubers, this spells a significant revenue loss, especially since Russia ranks second only to the U.S. in YouTube web traffic.

In March, a new law banning advertising by foreign agents was passed. This law also curtails foreign agents from placing ads on Russian websites, impacting anti-Kremlin politicians, activists, and media—further tightening the noose around free expression in Russia.

Economic Sanctions and Consequences

From an economic standpoint, this reinforces the ongoing sanctions against Russia. The deactivation of AdSense accounts will deprive numerous Russian businesses and content creators of significant revenue streams.

One YouTube content creator, Valentin Petukhov, made the suggestion that the reason Google is deactivating AdSense accounts is because people figured out how to “bypass payment blocks imposed by Western sanctions on Russian banks.”

In the grand theater of geopolitics interwoven with technology, Google’s recent move is a poignant chapter. Whether you dub it as a stride towards moral high ground or strategic compliance with global sanctions, the ripple effects will be far-reaching for Russian content creators and internet users alike.