Google Temporarily Blocks Uzbek Kun.uz After Russian Complaint

Google Temporarily Blocks Uzbek Kun.uz After Russian Complaint

In an unexpected turn of events, Uzbekistan’s major news portal Kun.uz faced a temporary three-day suspension by Google after a formal complaint from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s internet watchdog.

Server Relocation and Controversial Publications

Sources indicate that in 2024, Uzbekistan-based Kun.uz migrated its servers to Google’s infrastructure in the Netherlands. This move allowed the outlet to operate without local regulatory constraints. However, it also meant that any violations reported to Google could directly impact its accessibility.

Over time, Kun.uz has reportedly published numerous materials critical of Russia, some of which were labeled as "false and harmful" by Roskomnadzor. This led to an official complaint, after which Google restricted the site’s activities for three days. The company allegedly required Kun.uz to provide justified responses to the published articles before reinstating full access.

Silence from Kun.uz Staff

Despite the temporary suspension, Kun.uz has not disclosed the real reasons behind the block. Instead, employees have attempted to downplay the situation, withholding details from the public.