Russian translators working for Google were reportedly told by the company not to refer to the Ukraine invasion as a “war.”
The email, which was sent by management at an unidentified firm that translates Google’s corporate text and app interfaces into Russian, forwarded guidance from Google leadership that told its translators not to use the word “war” in their translations.
The guidance encouraged contractors to use vague terms such as “extraordinary circumstances,” according to emails reviewed by the Intercept.
The guidance also noted that “war” should be used in other markets and that this particular policy change is intended to keep Google in compliance with Russian law. Russia expanded its laws regarding “fake news” on March 4, which will penalize anyone who spreads “false” information about the Russian military. Those found guilty could face up to 15 years in prison.
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The orders apply to all Google products, including Google Maps, Gmail, AdWords, and all written explanations of Google’s policies and public statements, an employee of the firm told the Intercept.
“While we’ve paused Google ads and the vast majority of our commercial activities in Russia, we remain focused on the safety of our local employees,” a Google spokesperson said. “As has been widely reported, current laws restrict communications within Russia. This does not apply to our information services like Search and YouTube.”
Google, alongside several of its Big Tech neighbors, has restricted its business within Russian borders and removed Russian state media from its platforms. The company removed RT and Sputnik from the App Store on March 2 and suspended ads in Russia on March 3.
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Google did not respond to requests for comment from the Washington Examiner.
