Russia slaps $20 decillion fine on Google, it's 2 and then 34 zeros

In an unprecedented legal ruling, a Russian court has imposed a colossal fine of $20 decillion against Google, citing the company's decision to block access to channels operated by Russian state-run media on YouTube. This penalty, described as astronomical and surpassing the entire global economy, comes in response to YouTube's actions following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The court's ruling specifically targets YouTube's decision to ban channels such as RT (Russia Today) and Sputnik, both of which have been pivotal in disseminating the Russian government's perspective on the Ukraine conflict. YouTube's decision to block these channels globally was justified by the platform under its content policies, which prohibit material that denies, minimizes, or trivializes documented violent events. Since implementing the ban, YouTube has removed over 1,000 channels and more than 15,000 videos worldwide, aiming to adhere to its content regulations and respond to the global call for accountability regarding misinformation.

In addition to the record fine, the court has ordered Google to restore the blocked channels within nine months. If the company fails to comply with this directive, it faces additional fines that will double every day, significantly increasing the financial stakes involved. The Kremlin views this legal action as a means to compel Google to reconsider its stance on Russian media and to signal the seriousness with which the government regards the matter. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, characterized the fine as symbolic but emphasized its importance in highlighting Russia's dissatisfaction with YouTube's actions.

Google's legal challenges in Russia are not new; the company has faced mounting penalties since 2020 when it began accumulating fines of 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,028) daily for blocking the channels of Russian state-affiliated media outlets like Tsargrad and RIA FAN. These fines have doubled weekly, reflecting the Russian government's growing frustration with foreign tech platforms perceived as engaging in censorship. As a result, Google has become increasingly embroiled in legal disputes, with around 17 Russian broadcasters now suing the company, demanding the reinstatement of their channels.

Despite these challenges, Google has continued to operate within Russia, maintaining services such as YouTube and Google Search. However, the company's Russia subsidiary filed for bankruptcy several months after the invasion, following the seizure of its bank accounts by the Russian government. The fine and subsequent legal actions come amid broader efforts by the Russian government to assert control over digital media and counter perceived anti-Russian narratives propagated by foreign platforms. Authorities have warned that continued restrictions on Russian media channels could lead to a complete ban of YouTube in Russia.