Russia-Ukraine War: Yandex is passing reins of distribution of online content.
Moscow:
Russia’s leading internet firm Yandex on Tuesday said it had agreed to sell its news aggregator and yandex.ru homepage to state-controlled rival VK, a dramatic move that will likely further limit Russians’ access to independent media.
The all-share deal, in which Yandex will acquire 100% of food delivery service Delivery Club, marks a significant shift in Russia’s internet landscape, with Yandex effectively passing the reins that steer the distribution of online content to a Kremlin-friendly actor.
Moscow’s years-long suppression of independent media sharply intensified after Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, passing a law banning what it calls “false information” about Russia’s armed forces and quashing many organisations’ ability to broadcast freely.
“The board and management of Yandex have concluded that the interests…
