Security News > 2022 > May > Google Play now blocks paid app downloads, updates in Russia
Google is now blocking Russian users and developers from downloading or updating paid applications from the Google Play Store starting Thursday due to sanctions.
"As part of our compliance efforts, Google Play is blocking the downloading of paid apps and updates to paid apps in Russia starting May 5, 2022," the company said in an update on its support website.
"If you wish, you can choose to offer your app for free or remove your paid subscription during this pause," Google advised in the case of apps offering critical services that keep users safe or provide them with access to information.
Google first paused its Google Play billing system in Russia on March 10 due to sanctions, preventing them from buying apps and games, paying for subscriptions or any in-app purchases.
On March 23, Russia banned Alphabet's news aggregator service Google News and blocked access to news.
In reply, Google took action against disinformation campaigns regarding Russia's invasion, blocking the YouTube channels of Russia Today and Sputnik in Europe at the European Union's request.