Yandex Go representatives say the company is open to dialogue with the authorities of the Republic of Moldova and confirm that the personal data of its users is processed on servers located within the European Union. The company issued these clarifications following the authorities’ decision to launch an in-depth assessment of the platform’s activities.
“We are open to dialogue with public authorities and are ready to provide the requested information in accordance with established procedures. The personal data of Yandex Go users in the Republic of Moldova is processed in compliance with Moldovan legislation, with an appropriate level of personal data protection ensured. To process data belonging to Yandex Go users in Moldova, we use the servers of a leading global provider, located within the European Union and subject to European legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),” Yandex Go representatives said.
On October 15, the Council for the Examination of Investments of Importance to State Security (CEIISS) decided to launch an in-depth assessment of Yandex Go’s activities in the Republic of Moldova. According to the Public Services Agency (ASP), the review aims to examine potential risks related to information security, the protection of users’ personal data, and the company’s ownership and control structure.
As part of the procedure, Yandex Go must submit the documents and information required by law within 20 days, including details of its ownership structure and beneficial owners. The National Centre for Personal Data Protection has also been asked to prepare a detailed analysis of the platform’s processes for collecting, processing, storing, and transferring user data.
The ASP’s official statement also specifies that Yandex Go does not provide taxi services but grants local operators the right to use its technology platform. According to the agency, operators in the Republic of Moldova pay a commission equal to 12% of the ride’s value for using the service, with 20% VAT applied to that commission. In 2025, state budget revenues from VAT on Yandex Go commissions amounted to approximately 12.5 million lei.
Tax contributions generated by activity in the taxi services sector were also discussed by PAS MP Dorian Istratii during the TV8 programme Cutia Neagră.
“Regarding the payments that were allegedly not made, it is not true that no payments were made. Money comes into the accounts directly from the business activities of those using taxi drivers, and VAT and taxes are paid on the amounts received in their accounts. That is why we should not raise such issues. We need to wait for the government’s investigation into this case, after which the government will come forward and clearly state how much money was paid, in which year, and how much was paid in taxes,” the MP said.
The ASP stated that decisions concerning Yandex Go’s operations will be made after the assessment is completed and the identified risks have been analysed. Depending on the results, the authorities may impose additional conditions or restrictions.
Yandex Go, in turn, reiterated its willingness to cooperate constructively with the competent authorities of the Republic of Moldova and to provide the requested information in accordance with established procedures.