Google bans registration on its services using Russian phone numbers
Illustrative photo: Google has stopped registering accounts using a Russian number (Getty Images)
Google has stopped registering accounts using a Russian number. This may be due to new US sanctions against Russia, according to ASTRA.
As reported, users attempting to register a new account with a Russian phone number can not do so.
Google representatives have not announced any specific restrictions for users from Russia.
Google, along with other major technology companies, has imposed several sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. These actions have had a significant impact on various services in Russia.
What happened before
Google has suspended advertising across all its platforms in Russia, including YouTube, search, and media advertising. This step was aimed at cutting off revenue streams for Russian organizations linked to the state and military.
YouTube, owned by Google, has blocked Russian state media channels. Earlier this year, YouTube blocked more than 40 regional channels of the Russian state television and radio broadcasting company.
Recently, YouTube has stopped loading on computers and mobile devices in Russia. The likely cause is a decision by Russian authorities to slow down YouTube's operation. These actions are reportedly a response to YouTube's policy of consistently removing channels belonging to Russian political figures.
Google Cloud has ceased accepting new clients in Russia. Additionally, access to Google Cloud services has been restricted for Russian government organizations.
Google Pay suspension: Due to sanctions against Russian financial institutions, Google Pay services have been restricted, making it difficult for users of certain Russian banks to use the service.
App Store restrictions: Google Play has suspended downloads of paid apps and updates in Russia. Free apps remain available, but the economic impact on developers relying on in-app purchases or paid downloads has been significant.
Sanction compliance: Google adheres to international sanctions and export controls, which include restrictions on providing services or technologies to sanctioned entities in Russia.
