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Russian Court Fines Google $78 Million for Ignoring Previous Penalties

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A Moscow court fined Alphabet’s Google 8 billion roubles ($77.9 million) on Tuesday for failing to comply with earlier penalty orders, as announced by the Moscow courts press service via Telegram. This fine is significantly higher than the typical fines of around 4 million roubles that are usually issued for such violations.

For years, Russia has pressured foreign technology companies to remove content it considers illegal, imposing incremental penalties for non-compliance. The Chertanovo District Court in Moscow stated that the latest fine was related to Google’s failure to comply with an administrative punishment, though it did not disclose specifics about the violation.

YouTube, owned by Google, has been a frequent target of criticism from Russian authorities. Once drawing approximately 50 million daily users in Russia, YouTube’s audience has reportedly dropped to around 12 million. Russian officials have accused Google of failing to upgrade equipment, allegedly leading to disruptions in YouTube’s download speeds. Critics argue that these disruptions are intentional efforts to hinder access to content critical of President Vladimir Putin’s government—an allegation Russia denies.

In December, President Putin accused Google of acting as a tool of the U.S. government for political gain. Google has not yet commented on the latest ruling.

YouTube for Android Reportedly Testing ‘Play Something’ Floating Button Feature

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YouTube is reportedly experimenting with a new feature in its Android app that introduces a “Play Something” floating action button (FAB). This feature is designed to help users discover random videos when they’re unsure what to watch, offering a more serendipitous viewing experience. The button appears in the app with a simple design—white text on a black background—and provides a quick way to jump into content. Initially tested as part of YouTube Shorts last year, this functionality has now expanded to include the broader YouTube video library.

The “Play Something” FAB was spotted by 9to5Google in version 19.50 of the YouTube app for Android. While YouTube has yet to make an official announcement, the feature appears to still be in the testing phase, potentially limited to a small group of users. Its design and function suggest that YouTube is looking to cater to users seeking effortless content discovery, particularly when they’re indecisive about what to watch.

According to the report, tapping the FAB starts a video playback session, initially within the YouTube Shorts interface. However, it can also randomly play regular YouTube videos, adapting the portrait-style interface for these longer videos. The interface includes familiar controls such as options to like, dislike, comment, and share videos. Additionally, a timeline scrubber is displayed at the bottom of the screen, giving users more control over playback.

The inclusion of this feature could mark a new approach for YouTube in engaging users and keeping them on the platform longer. By expanding beyond Shorts to incorporate regular videos, the “Play Something” button has the potential to appeal to a wider audience. If the testing phase proves successful, the feature may roll out globally, offering a seamless and entertaining solution for viewers looking to discover new content without having to browse manually.

Malaysia Grants Licences to WeChat and TikTok Under New Social Media Law

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Malaysia’s communications regulator has granted licences to WeChat and TikTok to operate under the country’s new social media law, which aims to combat rising cybercrime. The law, which took effect on January 1, mandates that social media platforms and messaging services with more than 8 million users in Malaysia must obtain a licence, or face legal action.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced on Wednesday that Tencent’s WeChat and ByteDance’s TikTok have been granted their licences. Messaging platform Telegram is in the final stages of the application process, while Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has begun the licensing procedure.

However, some platforms have not applied for the licence. X (formerly Twitter) has not submitted an application, stating that its local user base does not exceed the 8 million threshold. The regulator is currently reviewing the validity of this claim. Additionally, Alphabet’s Google, which operates YouTube, has not applied for a licence either, citing concerns about YouTube’s video-sharing features and how they relate to the new law. The MCMC has indicated that YouTube must still comply with the licensing requirements.

The law requires platforms to adhere to guidelines to curb harmful content, including online gambling, scams, child pornography, cyberbullying, and offensive content related to race, religion, and royalty. Malaysia has seen an uptick in harmful social media content in early 2024, prompting authorities to urge platforms like Meta and TikTok to enhance their monitoring efforts.

While companies do not disclose their user numbers per country, independent data suggests WeChat has 12 million users in Malaysia, while TikTok has around 28.68 million users aged 18 and above. Facebook has 22.35 million users, YouTube has 24.1 million users, and X has 5.71 million users in the country.