Facing a tough regulatory framework across the globe, social media giant Facebook is reported to have paid about 17 million roubles ($229,643) in fines owed in Russia for failing to delete content Moscow deems illegal.
According to top company sources, Facebook may have paid the fines imposed by the Russian authorities but owing to a free flow in US-Russian ties it is not easy to speculate the company’s future in Russia.
Facebook parent Meta, along with Alphabet’s Google, faces a number of court cases and one among them is likely to come up for hearing next week. The case pertaining to repeated violations of Russian legislation on content may further squeeze the company’s economic prospects in Russia, which may end up paying a percentage of its annual revenue in Russia.
Russia in October sent state bailiffs to enforce the collection of 17 million roubles in fines imposed on Facebook. Interfax said there were no more enforcement proceedings against the company as of Sunday, citing the federal bailiff service’s database.
Moscow has increased pressure on large tech firms this year in a campaign that critics characterize as an attempt by the Russian authorities to exert tighter control over the internet, something they say threatens to stifle individual and corporate freedom.
Interfax said messaging app Telegram has also paid 15 million roubles in fines. Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
