Is everything leaving Russia, even Google? What to do if the Internet giant really leaves the country, and how to prepare for this?

In Russia, they can disappear Google services. Experts say that the reason for this is astronomical Penalty for the company.

And this means that, it seems, it's time for Russians to prepare for a new trend — mass migration from all their favorite Google services. First a multibillion-dollar fine, now a strange message from the State Services. Doberman.media tells you what could happen if the Silicon Valley giant curtails its operations in Russia, and tell you what steps you can take if Google plays an important role in your life.

What's going on?

Fines at the cosmic level. YouTube has recently faced restrictions, while Google has been hit with record fines, amounting to as much as “2 undecillion rubles” (yes, a number with 36 zeros!). Being hit with a fine like that is like having to pay for the entire galaxy.

Notifications from the State Services: Some users have already buzzed notifications on Google mail, offering... switch to other email services. Why? Gosuslugi hints at the need to change Google mail for communication if it suddenly becomes impossible to access it.

What services can disappear?

Google isn't just about YouTube and Gmail. Here are the familiar and useful tools we can say goodbye to soon:

Gmail: for those who have not changed their mail for years, this will be a painful moment.

Google Drive: here we save everything important, from documents to personal photos.

Google Docs and Sheets: loved by many for their ease of collaboration and instant access from anywhere in the world.

Google Photos: The most secure photo storage that frees up your phone's memory.

Google Maps: the most understandable and detailed navigator (who has tried to search for cafes through Russian analogues, knows how difficult it can be).

What can all this lead to?

Loss of contacts and important information: If you have accounts with Gmail mail, it's better to set up alternatives in advance, otherwise the risk of losing everything increases.

Difficulties with accessing files: Google Drive is an important tool for work and study, and if access to it is lost, you will have to urgently look for replacements.

Less convenience when navigating and planning routes: Especially if you often rely on Google Maps for travel or city trips.

Blocked subscriptions and services on YouTube: What about your favorite channels? Will it be possible to return to them? The question remains open.

What should Russians do if they have Gmail and Google accounts?

Here are a few life hacks to prepare for possible changes:

1. Download your data backups
   Google allows you to download all the data in the archive. Set up Google Takeoutto save your emails, files, photos, and contacts.
2. Update your contact details
   Make sure that all important accounts (banking, tax, etc.) are linked to alternative mail. Add fallback addresses on platforms where possible.
3. Transfer important files to alternative cloud storage
   Yandex.Disk, Mail.ru and other Russian services will be more stable in use. Get used to them in advance so that there is no shock if Google Drive suddenly becomes unavailable.
4. Think about replacements for Google Docs and Sheets
   There are other, although not so convenient, but still working services. If Google Docs becomes unavailable, free office programs and Russian analogues will come to the rescue.
5. Replace Google Maps with other navigators
   Although it is difficult, Yandex.Maps and 2GIS will be the main options.
6. For YouTube Subscribers
   Not everything is clear yet, but it may be worth subscribing to the channels that are important to you and staying tuned for any changes.

And what about Chrome Browser?

If Chrome disappears from Russia, it may also cause some inconvenience, as many users are used to its synchronization, speed and a large number of extensions. Although the Chrome browser is difficult to replace completely because it is convenient and popular, the following alternatives will help minimize possible difficulties and continue to use the Internet comfortably, even if Chrome becomes unavailable in Russia.

Here's what you can do to prepare for a possible browser shutdown:

1. Export bookmarks and passwords

To avoid losing important links and login details, you can export your bookmarks and passwords:

Bookmarks

Click on the three dots in the top right corner of the > "Bookmarks" > "Bookmark Manager" > "Manage" > "Export Bookmarks".

Passwords

In the Chrome settings section, open "Passwords", find "Export passwords", save them to a protected file.

2. Prepare an alternative for syncing

If you're used to syncing across devices, consider other browsers with a similar feature. Yandex Browser, Mozilla Firefox and Opera Allow you to save and synchronize data (passwords, bookmarks, and history) between devices.

3. Save the extensions that are important to you

Some extensions from the Chrome store may not be available in Russian browsers, so it is worth installing analogues in another browser in advance so as not to lose their functionality.

4. Migrate your Google account data

Chrome actively syncs data through your Google account. Data migration can be especially important if you want to keep your history, settings, and passwords. To do this, you can download an archive with Google data (for example, via Google Takeout).

5. Try alternative browsers

• Yandex Browser and 2GIS Browser: created specifically for the Russian market, offer a familiar interface and integration with Russian services.
• Mozilla Firefox: free, protects privacy, and offers synchronization features.
• Opera: Has a built-in VPN and various handy tools to customize the interface.

6. Keep backups

Often, Chrome stores important information such as site settings, history, and cookies. If browsing data is important to you, make backup copies in case you lose it.

What's next?

The situation with Google in Russia remains uncertain. No one can predict the exact consequences of a huge fine and bans, but such events are a signal to prepare for a new stage. It's time to start changing your habits and look for alternatives to be one step ahead of possible changes.

Stay tuned and get ready for any news!