Russian officials crack down on Google Global Cache servers

Russia’s government censor and the Federal Security Service are contacting telecommunications companies nationwide about installations of Google Global Cache servers on their networks, threatening fines as high as 300,000 rubles ($5,180) for using the “uncertified” servers, which Google deploys within Internet service providers' networks to cut down on lag time and transit costs.

Russian Internet industry figures are reportedly criticizing the government’s new policy, arguing that Google Global Cache servers shouldn’t fall under Russian regulations on communication tools.