Citing "extraordinary circumstances," Google's
YouTube unit said it was "pausing a number of channels' ability to
monetise on YouTube." These included several Russian channels affiliated
with recent sanctions, such as those by the European Union.
Ad placement is largely controlled by YouTube.
Google added later that it was also barring Russian
state-funded media outlets from using its ad technology to generate revenue on
their own websites and apps.
In addition, the Russian media will not be able to buy ads
through Google Tools or place ads on Google services such as search and Gmail,
spokesman Michael Aciman said.
"We're actively monitoring new developments and will
take further steps if necessary," Aciman said.
On Wednesday, the European Union unveiled sanctions on
individuals such as Margarita Simonyan, whom it called RT's editor-in-chief and
"a central figure" of Russian propaganda.
Videos from affected media will also come up less often in
recommendations, YouTube spokesperson Farshad Shadloo said.
He added that RT and several other channels would no longer
be accessible in Ukraine after a Ukrainian government request.
On Saturday, Ukraine Digital Transformation Minister
Mykhailo Fedorov said on Twitter he contacted YouTube "to block the
propagandist Russian channels — such as Russia 24, TASS, RIA Novosti."
RT and Simonyan did not respond to requests for comment.
YouTube declined to identify the other channels restricted.
For years, lawmakers and some users have urged Google for
more action on channels linked to the Russian government, concerned that they
spread misinformation and should not profit by it.
Russia received an estimated $7 million to $32 million over
the two years to December 2018 from ads across 26 YouTube channels it backed,
digital researcher Omelas told Reuters at the time.
YouTube has previously said it did not treat state-funded
media channels that comply with its rules differently from others when it comes
to sharing ad revenue.
On Friday, Facebook owner Meta Platforms barred Russian
state media from running ads or generating revenue from ads on its services. - Reuters