Google, Expedia, Airbnb & Others Halt Operations In Russia

Google stated last Thursday that it will no longer sell online advertising in Russia, a restriction that applies to search, YouTube, and third-party publishing partners.

The action by the world’s biggest revenue seller of online advertisements followed similar pauses in Russia by Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) and Snap Inc (SNAP.N) following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Google previously barred Russian state-funded media from using its technology to acquire or sell advertising. It had also invoked its sensitive events policy, which prohibits marketing that aims to capitalize on the conflict.

Google’s stoppage of services coincide with the suspension of services in Russia by several travel and technology businesses.

Expedia Group and Booking Holdings have both ceased offering travel to and from Russia, while GDSs Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport have withdrawn Russian airline Aeroflot rates from their systems.

Meanwhile, Airbnb has ceased operations in Russia and Belarus and is providing up to 100,000 Ukrainian migrants with free short-term housing.

Google also stated that hotel owners in Ukraine’s surrounding countries can specify on their Business Profile whether they provide free or subsidized lodgings for refugees.

Local companies may also use their Business Profile on Search and Maps to offer a variety of services and help to Ukrainian refugees.

“As we compile this information over the coming weeks, we’ll make it possible for people to quickly find these places on Search and Maps,” Google said in a statement.