Alphabet's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google has imposed restrictions on the creation of new accounts for Russian users, as reported by state news agencies on Thursday, citing Russia's digital ministry.
This move adds to the increasing pressure on Google in Russia, particularly following its actions not to block content deemed illegal by Moscow and the suspension of Russian media YouTube channels after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
According to the digital ministry, Google has significantly reduced the number of SMS messages sent to Russian users, potentially affecting two-factor authentication services.
"Telecom operators have also recorded a significant reduction in the number of SMS messages sent by the company to Russian users," the ministry stated.
Users were advised to create backups of their data and explore alternative authentication methods or shift to domestic platforms.
Google has not yet responded to requests for comments, and the ministry said it remains unclear whether SMS confirmations for two-factor authentication will continue functioning reliably in Russia.
This development follows Google's decision in August to deactivate AdSense accounts in Russia, as well as its earlier suspension of ad services in the country following the start of the Ukraine conflict.
Additionally, the company has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels, including state-sponsored news outlets, and removed more than 5.5 million videos related to the war.
Russian lawmakers have also reported a slowdown in YouTube services, blaming Google for not upgrading necessary equipment. However, both Google and independent technology experts have disputed these claims.