Facebook has paid a fine to Russia over content that was banned

According to the Interfax news agency, Facebook has paid 17 million roubles ($229,643) in fines owed in Russia for failing to erase content that Moscow deems unlawful, but a possibly higher fine looms.

Meta, along with Alphabet's Google, is set to appear in court next week for alleged persistent violations of Russian content laws, and might be penalised a percentage of its yearly income in Russia.

On Sunday, a request for comment from Facebook was not immediately returned.

In October, Russia dispatched official bailiffs to collect 17 million roubles in fines levied on Facebook. According to the federal bailiff service's database, there were no further enforcement procedures against Interfax as of Sunday.

This year, Moscow has upped its pressure on global Internet corporations in what opponents see as an attempt by Russian authorities to exercise tighter control over the internet, which they believe undermines individual and corporate freedom.

Telegram, a messaging app, has also paid a punishment of 15 million roubles, according to Interfax.