A Russian court has fined Google 22 million roubles for allowing virtual private network (VPN) apps to be distributed through its Google Play store, state and international news agencies reported.
The fine, equivalent to roughly $288,000, stems from Moscow’s long-running restrictions on tools that allow users to bypass government blocks on foreign websites and services. Reuters and TASS first reported the ruling.
The court action comes amid tighter Russian controls on internet tools and follows other penalties levied on foreign tech firms for noncompliance with local rules.
Russian authorities have previously targeted VPN providers and platforms they say enable access to banned content, saying such measures are necessary for national security and to enforce local law.
Analysts say the penalty is modest compared with fines in some past cases but underscores Moscow’s willingness to use legal and financial pressure to limit the availability of circumvention tools.
The ruling is likely to heighten tensions between Western tech companies and the Russia government as regulators broaden enforcement.
