Google Bans Verification of Accounts Using Russian Phone Numbers

Google has ceased registering new accounts using Russian phone numbers, a move that may be linked to recent U.S. sanctions against Russia, according to ASTRA. Users attempting to create accounts with Russian mobile numbers are currently unable to complete the process.
While Google has not officially confirmed this as part of a broader restriction, the company, along with other major tech firms, has implemented various sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These measures have notably impacted Russian services and access to global platforms.
Background on Recent Actions:

Advertising Ban: Google has suspended all advertising on its platforms in Russia, including YouTube and search. This aims to cut off revenue streams for Russian state and military-linked organizations.
YouTube Restrictions: YouTube, which is owned by Google, has blocked numerous Russian state media channels and recently experienced operational slowdowns in Russia, likely due to actions by Russian authorities in response to the platform’s content moderation policies.
Google Cloud: The company has stopped accepting new clients in Russia, with restrictions also placed on Russian government organizations’ access to Google Cloud services.
Google Pay: Services have been restricted for users of certain Russian banks due to sanctions against Russian financial institutions.
App Store Restrictions: Google Play has suspended paid app downloads and updates in Russia. While free apps remain available, this has had a significant economic impact on developers reliant on in-app purchases or paid downloads.
Sanction Compliance: Google adheres to international sanctions and export controls, which restrict providing services or technologies to sanctioned entities in Russia