Moscow: Google has blocked a list of Russian candidates recommended by opposition leaders who were imprisoned by Alexei Navalny as the best to defeat the politicians who were in line with the Kremlin in parliament and local polls Sunday.
This step came when the US technology giant faced criticism from Russian and abroad opposition to retreat to demands from Russian authorities, who tried to bring the Russian segment from the internet under their control.
The list is part of the strategy of “Smart Voting” Navalny, which calls on its supporters to choose a candidate who is aligned with United Russian Party President Vladimir Putin in completion of votes three days at 8:00 p.m.
Navalny allies – most have left the country or arrested after the organization is prohibited as “extremists” in June – said the week that Google has blocked two Google Docsents and two YouTube videos after request from Roskomnadzor Media Roskomnadzor.
Google Documents and YouTube videos cannot be accessed by AFP journalists in Russia on Sundays.
Google did not immediately respond to requests for comments from AFP.
Moves came after Google and Apple at the beginning of the election on Friday deleted the “smart voting” application from their store.
The source that was familiar with Google and Apple’s decision told AFP which was moved under pressure from Russian authorities, including threats to capture local staff of Giants Tech.
Russia accused Google and the Apple of Election Interference ahead of the vote, demanding that they remove applications from their stores.
Also Friday, encrypted Messenger Telegram – widely popular in Russia – following a suit, blocking “smart voting” bots.
The Navalny team on Sundays quickly creates a new Google Documents and YouTube video with a list of their candidates.
“How fast does Roskomnadzor will write another request and youtube will fulfill it? Let’s see,” Anti-Corruption Foundation is prohibited by Navalny Tweeted.