Moscow court fines Telegram and Google $290,000 for violating Russian laws

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Moscow authorities have imposed administrative penalties on Telegram messenger and Google Corporation for violating rules on restricting access to information banned in Russia.

The total amount of fines imposed on the companies reached 21.6 million rubles ($350,000). Telegram received the largest fine of 17.8 million rubles. The court reviewed three administrative protocols against Telegram: one was issued under Article 13.41(2) of the Russian Administrative Offences Code, and two under Article 13.41(4).

Google Corporation was fined 3.8 million rubles. In both cases, the violations relate to breaching Russian legislation governing restrictions on access to banned online content.