In a lawsuit concerning restrictions Google has placed on the YouTube channel of a prominent television firm, a Moscow court has ordered the seizure of 500 million roubles ($7 million) worth of Google's property and funds in Russia.
According to a report by Russian news agencies, Gazprom Media Holding's GPM Entertainment Television filed a suit demanding that Google restore access to its YouTube account. YouTube has blocked Russian state-funded media globally and is under heavy pressure now from Russia's communications regulator and politicians.
Russia has blocked many other foreign internet firms, including Meta Platforms Inc.'s Facebook and Instagram, in a bid to control information flows after sending tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24.
YouTube remains available for now.
"The claim of GPM Entertainment Television about interim measures being taken has been granted," a Russian news agency quoted Moscow's Arbitration Court as saying.
It said the measures would involve "seizing funds (including cash which will come into bank accounts) and also all movable and immovable property, owned by Google, for the total sum of 500 million roubles."
Gazprom Media owns several key social media and television assets in Russia, some of which are benefiting from the exodus of and blockade of foreign internet firms.
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