Google’s Russian subsidiary files for bankruptcy, Interfax reports

June 17 (Reuters) – Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Russian subsidiary Google has filed for bankruptcy, Interfax reported on Friday, citing online court documents.

The subsidiary announced plans to file for bankruptcy in May after authorities seized its bank account, making it impossible to pay staff and suppliers. Read more

“The seizure by Russian authorities of Google Russia’s bank account has rendered the operation of our office in Russia untenable…As a result, Google Russia has filed for bankruptcy,” a company spokesperson said.

“People in Russia rely on our services…and we will continue to keep free services such as Search, YouTube, Gmail, Maps, Android and Play available.”

Russia has restricted access to Twitter (TWTR.N) and the flagship social networks of Meta Platforms Inc (META.O), Facebook and Instagram.

Google and its YouTube video hosting service, although under pressure, remain available for the time being. Moscow, in particular, objects to YouTube’s treatment of Russian media, which it has blocked.

But Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the State Duma committee on information policy, said the American company was not yet at risk of being blocked. Read more

Reuters Editing reporting by Jason Neely and Mark Potter

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