Google has removed more than 200 sites from its search results that distribute content sanctioned by the EU. This decision, taken following a request from Lithuania, aims to limit access to banned Russian channels and other portals illegally broadcasting content.
Since the beginning of conflict in Ukrainel’European Union has strengthened its measures to counter misinformation. Among the actions undertaken, the media blocking supported by theRussian state played a key role. These media, accused of spreading propagandahave been banned throughout the EU, whether by satellite, IPTV or via websites.
To effectively apply these sanctions, Lithuania recently asked Google of withdraw search results more than 620 sites linked to prohibited channels or portals. Beginning January 2025the company announced that it had deleted 201 sitesmarking an important step in the fight against access to this content. These sites include sanctioned channels such as Sputnik or Russia Today, but also portals offering illegal contentlike pirated movies or unlicensed IPTV channels.
Google strengthens European sanctions by removing 201 sites
The data obtained via the Lumen database reveals that among the sites concerned, many belong to Russian media that use subdomains targeting countries like the FranceGermany or Italy. These subdomains, for example “fr.sputniknews.com”, facilitate the distribution of content directly to local audiences. The removal of these sites limits their visibility and makes access more complicated for European Internet users.
-On the same subject – The Piracy Shield could soon attack illegal streaming sites to protect films, nothing seems to stop it
Other sites removed by Google are more ambiguous. For example, some platforms host a mix of content : Russian channels banned, but also international programs and even Ukrainians. These portals, like InternTV, aggregate IPTV streams and also pirate popular content. By removing these sites from its results, the company supports the enforcement of European sanctions, while reducing the reach of sites linked to Russia. These actions show that the European Union wants more and more reduce misinformation while enforcing its sanctions.
Source : European Council
