YouTube, Google Play Discontinue Payment-based Services in Russia

YouTube and Google Play Store will no longer continue all payment-based services in Russia – this is inclusive of all its subscription-based services.

The suspension of payment-based services in Russia is coming on the heels of Western sanctions on banking in the country which is ultimately now posing as a challenge for payment-based services in Russia.

The Alphabeth Inc products, Google and YouTube were said to have also stopped selling online advertising in Russia following similar discontinuation by Twitter Inc and Snap Inc after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Announcing this development, Youtube disclosed in a statement on Thursday, 10th March: “As a follow-up, we’re now extending this pause to all our monetization features, including YouTube Premium, Channel Memberships, Super Chat and Merchandise, for viewers in Russia.”

However, the company disclosed that YouTube channels in Russia will still have the liberty to generate revenue from viewers outside of Russia through ads and paid features like Super Chat and merchandise sales. Also, free apps on the Google Play Store also remain available in Russia.

A number of other companies have also sanctioned or discontinued their services from Russia after the Vladimir Putin-led nation launched an attack on Ukraine on Thursday, 24th February. The crisis which has lasted for two weeks has also attracted a number of corporate and diplomatic sanctions on the Russian government.

These diplomatic sanctions – especially the removal of Russia in the SWIFT banking – have made it difficult if not impossible for many companies to supply parts, carry out services, make payments and deliver goods to and from Russia. Also, the closure of airspace and transports links since the invasion has made it difficult for many companies.

Added to that, there is a growing wave of international consumer backlash against any company perceived as helping Vladimir Putin’s regime. This means that companies who may choose to continue their services in Russia may as well be ready for the consequences. Other companies like Netflix, TikTok, Samsung and even credit card operators like Visa and Mastercard have joined the stretching list of businesses that have cut ties with Russia or reviewing their operations in the country as reputational and financial risks mount.