Google has suspended all of its paid services in Russia, including the Play Store and YouTube. It means that Google users in Russian territory will be unable to make in-app purchases, pay for subscriptions, renew them, or subscribe to new ones. YouTube also provides ad-free premium content in monthly, quarterly, and annual packages. This followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and subsequent US sanctions on the country.
On the contrary, the free apps offered on Google’s Play Store continue to function and are also available in Russia.
“Due to a payment system disruption, we will temporarily suspend Google Play’s billing system for Russian consumers in the next days.” This implies that consumers in Russia will be unable to purchase applications and games, make subscription payments, or make in-app purchases of digital products through Google Play. “Free apps will continue to be available on the Play Store,” Google stated.
Following the announcement of sanctions by American President Joe Biden, companies based in the United States are either totally or partially ceasing operations.
Twitter and Apple, two tech behemoths, have already proclaimed their intentions to exercise moderation.
“We are committed to complying with all applicable sanctions and trade compliance laws and we continue to monitor the latest guidance. Users in affected regions will still be able to use Google Play, including downloading free apps, but unable to make purchases,” it added.
