Russia’s Google office plans to file for bankruptcy because it can no longer pay contractors and employees. The speaker of the company said that due to the previous seizure of bank accounts by the authorities, Google can not continue to work in the country, writes The Wall Street Journal.
“The Russian authorities’ seizure of Google Russia’s bank account has made it untenable for our Russia office to function, including employing and paying Russia-based employees, paying suppliers and vendors, and meeting other financial obligations,” Google representative said.
The company has already stopped most commercial operations in Russia. Including all the advertising, after censorship in the country accused YouTube of spreading misinformation and inciting protests.
The planned bankruptcy of the unit underscores Russia’s deteriorating relations with Western technology companies since the invasion. Russia blocked access to Facebook in March after the company refused to stop checking in on Russian state media that regularly spread fakes and propaganda about the invasion.
Despite the bankruptcy of the subsidiary, free services such as search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, and the ability to download free applications from Google Play remain available in Russia.
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