Google is Halting Play Store Billing and YouTube Payments in Russia

Specific sanctions issued on banks from Russia are connected to payment system disruption that Google is invocating as a reason for its recent decision. According to Reuters, the Mountain View-based tech giant is suspending billing on the Play Store and YouTube payments in Russia.

Here’s how Google itself explains the decision, quoting from the tech behemoth’s official website:

Due to payment system disruption, Google Play has paused its billing system for users in Russia as of March 10, 2022. This means users cannot purchase apps and games, make subscription payments or conduct any in-app purchases of digital goods using Google Play in Russia. Free apps will remain available on the Play Store.

But who knows, during the times that we’re going through, the situation could rapidly change. The same source continues saying:

The situation is rapidly evolving and we encourage you to return to this page for the latest information. Below we have addressed some additional questions developers might have and will continue to keep them updated.

Google’s decision is not surprising at all in the context of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine that started in late February. The situation continues to be horrible between the two countries.

Google Play Store is the official Android marketplace that harbors millions of apps. Users can find software of various categories there, and we can mention Educational, Travel, Shopping, Music, Streaming, Social Networks, Entertainment, Communication, Business, Productivity, and so on.

We can even count games when we’re speaking about apps, as games are practically also software apps. They are usually made using programming coding, just like apps. There are also numerous games available in the Google Play Store. Many of them are free of charge, although you might decide for yourself to pay for a game in order to get rid of all the annoying ads.