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Moldova Launches Security Review of Russia’s Yandex Go Over Data and Ownership Risks
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Moldova has launched an in-depth assessment of Yandex Go over potential risks involving information security, personal data protection, and the company’s ownership and control structure, the Moldovan government announced on October 16.
The decision was taken on October 15 during a meeting of the Council for the Examination of Investments of Importance for State Security, known as CEIISS.
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Yandex has long operated as one of Russia’s largest technology companies, with services extending well beyond the domestic market into neighboring countries, including Moldova. Over time, the company came under increasing Kremlin pressure, including restrictions that reshaped Yandex.News and pushed the platform toward state-approved sources, while its Russian business was ultimately sold in 2024 to investors with ties to the country’s political and business elite.
The council ordered a deeper review of Yandex Go’s investment activities in Moldova, including the wider Yandex group’s involvement in local investment operations.
Yandex Go was given 20 days to provide documents and information required under Moldovan law, including details on its ownership structure and beneficial owners.
The National Center for Personal Data Protection was also instructed to prepare a detailed report on how Yandex Go collects, processes, stores, and transfers user data, and whether those practices comply with Moldovan legislation.
“We must investigate potential risks related to the unauthorized use of personal data, including the collection, storage and processing of, or unjustified access to, significant volumes of personal data belonging to citizens of the Republic of Moldova,” the government stated.
Moldovan authorities noted that CEIISS can impose conditions or restrictions on investments, require divestment of shares or assets, or suspend activities if the assessment identifies risks to state security.
The government also clarified that Yandex Go does not directly provide taxi services in Moldova but licenses use of its platform to local operators.
Operators pay Yandex Go a commission equal to 12% of each fare, while 20% VAT is applied to that commission. In 2025, approximately 12.5 million Moldovan lei ($696.375) in VAT linked to Yandex commissions was paid into the state budget.
Taxi operators, including those using Yandex Go, paid around 216 million lei ($12 million) in taxes and contributions in 2025, up 42% from 2024, according to the government.
Moldova’s State Tax Service is also continuing inspections of taxi operators. During the first months of 2026, authorities identified discrepancies in roughly half of the rides completed by 8,781 drivers.
CEIISS stated that the assessment remains ongoing and that further measures will depend on the risks identified.
Yandex has previously faced scrutiny over the scale of data it provides to Russian authorities. In 2025, the company handed over user information in 93,647 cases, fulfilling 85% of government requests, with most inquiries targeting ride-hailing and transportation services.
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