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Russia Fines Big Tech For Data Storage Violations

By  |  June 28, 2022

Video streaming service Twitch, social network Pinterest, holiday rental company Airbnb and United Parcel Service (UPS) were all fined by a Moscow court on Tuesday for allegedly refusing to store Russian citizens’ personal data in Russia.

Moscow has clashed with Big Tech over content, censorship, data and local representation in a simmering dispute that has erupted into a full-on battle since Russia sent its armed forces into Ukraine on Feb. 24.

The Moscow court’s press service said Amazon-owned Twitch, Pinterest and Airbnb had been found guilty by the Tagansky District Court of breaching Russian legislation on personal data and fined 2 million roubles ($37,700) each. UPS was fined 1 million roubles.

A UPS spokesperson said: “We are reviewing the court’s decision. As this review is ongoing we can provide no further information at this time.”

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