BIG BROTHER

Google Censoring Searches at Russia’s Request: Report

The latest example of U.S.-based tech working to comply with international laws.

The Russian government’s communications agency, Roskomnadzor, ordered that all search engines operating in the country—including Google—delete sites that it has blacklisted from search results, according to a report. The list move is part of new regulations banning the use of VPN’s to browse the internet anonymously, increasing the Russian government’s control over the Internet. An unnamed Google employee told Russian newspaper Vedomosti that the company has begun to comply with the agency’s order, removing about 80 percent of the sites that Roskomandzor listed. “We’re committed to enabling access to information for the benefit of our users in Russia and around the world,” a Google spokesperson told BuzzFeed News in an emailed statement. Google’s cooperation with the Russian requests are the latest example of U.S.-based tech companies working to make themselves compliant with international laws. Netflix drew criticism last month for complying with a demand from Saudi Arabia that it take down an episode of the show Patriot Act because it was critical of the kingdom. 

She’s Hip (Hop)

Kamala Harris’ Playlist: Yes, It’s Political, But It’s Smart

Barrett Holmes Pitner