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Google restricts creation of new accounts in Russia

Google has restricted the ability of users in Russia to create new accounts on the platform, Russian news agency Interfax reported on Thursday, citing comments made at a press conference by representatives of Russia’s Digital Development Ministry.

Telecom operators have also observed a significant decrease in the number of SMS messages sent by the company to Russian users,” Interfax quoted the ministry as saying. While the ministry said that the SMS verification of existing Google accounts with two-factor authentication was still working, it added that there was “no guarantee this feature will remain available.” The ministry advised Russian users of Google services to backup their data, switch to alternative two-factor authentication methods, or to consider using domestic platforms instead.

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