Newsletter
Google has announced that its Voice VoIP service and Fi MVNO won’t charge users fees for calling to Ukraine, 9to5google reports. The company is also updating its Project Shield protections against Russian-affiliated cyber attacks.
However, Google is not the only carrier that is providing free calls to Ukraine. Last week, AT&T, Vodafone, and many other telecom companies made a similar decision and waived calling fees to Ukraine.
Google removes fees for calling Ukraine
According to Google’s announcement, the rate per minute for calling to the following cities in Ukraine is now $0.00 for personal Gmail accounts: Ukraine-Kiev, Ukraine-Landline, Ukraine-Lviv, Ukraine-Mobile, Ukraine-Mobile -Astelit.
Google has also stepped up its efforts to help people access the right information. The company had previously stated that it would prevent spreading misinformation by media affiliated with the Russian government.
Google also said that it continues to “see DDoS attempts against numerous Ukraine sites, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as services like Liveuamap designed to help people find information.”
Google Project Shield will protect Ukrainian websites
The Project Shield by Google aims to provide free unlimited protection against DDoS attacks. The company stated that over 150 websites in Ukraine are protected by this service, including news publications, humanitarian organizations, the Ukrainian government, and embassy websites.
Google also told Ukraine government representatives it is ready to protect their websites. Google’s actions could boost public access to accurate information and prevent Russia from spreading false information.
“We have expanded eligibility for Project Shield, our free protection against DDoS attacks, so that Ukrainian government websites, embassies worldwide, and other governments in close proximity to the conflict can stay online, protect themselves and continue to offer their crucial services,” Google noted in its blog.
Moreover, to warn people against air raids, the Play Store in Ukraine also highlights the Ukrainian Alarm application. This way, people know about air raid sirens.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many companies have suspended their operations in Russia. Sanctions have also been imposed on Russia, making it difficult for people to access certain Western services and applications. The Russian government responded by blocking access to Facebook and Twitter.