The five leading tech companies of the world, including Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, have taken significant steps to impose voluntary sanctions on Russia amidst the Russian Ukrainian conflict. However, this decision wasn’t taken overnight. The Prime Minister of Ukraine successfully lobbied these companies in the same way it gained assistance from NATO, European Union, and the US government. Since these companies were nation-states, Ukraine directly appealed to these big names in the tech world.
Was there an impact of these sanctions? Or does Russia face any outset? Let’s find out.
Undoubtedly, Google, now known as Alphabet, is one of the leading tech companies that responded to the Russian Ukrainian conflict in two parts. Firstly, there have been finance-related issues. The company has imposed restrictions on the usage of Google Play in Russia for merchants as well as customers. Google leaders have also decided to restrict online advertisements of its services in Russia. Also, YouTube monetization is blocked in Russia. However, Maps and Google Search are still available.
Amazon
Andy Jassy, the chief executive of Amazon, has decided to support cybersecurity efforts in Ukraine and offers logistical support. However, Amazon has not taken countable steps to reduce its revenues from Russia.
Meta
Another major tech company is Meta who is also the owner of both Sputnik and RT. It has removed the access of Sputnik and RT on Instagram as well as Facebook. Further, it is not allowed for state media to monetize content.
Apple
Apple is another big name in the tech world that has gone several steps ahead of Google when it comes to imposing restrictions on Russia as a result of the Russian Ukrainian Conflict. The company has stopped the sale of any Apple product in the country. Also, services offered by Apple, such as Apple Pay, are limited. Also, Sputnik and RT have been blocked from the Apple App Store in Russia.
Microsoft
Another tech-leader playing from the front is Microsoft, which has blocked RT and Sputnik advertisements across its ad network and banned access to channels in Russia.
Other consequences in front of Russia
Apart from direct restrictions imposed on Russia, there are several indirect restrictions as well. Google has restricted new reviews in Ukraine and Russia. This is done to avoid potential disinformation delivery from both sides. Both Google and Meta have decided to restrict certain location-based services in Ukraine with an aim to limit military use.
What will be the impact?
The steps taken by both leading companies, Google and Meta, will not have an immediate impact to a certain extent; however, the impact from the direct financial sanctions will be much larger. Also, not being able to use Apple pay or Google Pay is still not a bigger deal in Russia; however, citizens will be greatly affected by imposing restrictions on the use of ATMs. Team Computers, Digital Engineering segment is ensuring we have a seamless experience for our clients amidst this conflict. We feel proud to be associated with some of the top partners in the digital segment for the products like Google Workshop, Google Chrome Enterprise, Tableau, Qlik, Microsoft Power Bi, Alteryx, Workspace by Meta, Automation Anywhere, Snowflake, IceWrap and many more.
Conclusion
Russia’s untimely invasion of Ukraine has left the world in a state of shock; however, the world’s biggest tech companies, including Google, Apple, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, have acted bravely in the Russian Ukrainian Conflict. The tech platforms have somewhere transformed into battlefields where everyone is rooting against Russia and imposing strict restrictions, which might trigger Russia to step back. Hopefully, the results of these steps by the tech giants will be positive.