MOSCOW – In an unprecedented move, a Russian court has fined Google an astronomical two undecillion roubles (equivalent to $20 septillion USD) over the restriction of Russian state media channels on YouTube. This number, a two followed by 36 zeroes, surpasses the value of Google itself and exceeds global GDP many times over, highlighting the intensifying conflict between the Russian government and the U.S. tech giant.
The fine has snowballed due to doubling each day Google fails to pay, according to Russia’s Tass news agency. The dispute stems from Google’s restriction of 17 Russian media channels, including RT and Sputnik, which intensified following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In response, the Kremlin implemented retaliatory restrictions on Western companies and media in Russia, escalating pressure on Google and other tech firms.
While Google has not commented, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed surprise at the fine’s magnitude but emphasized the importance of Google’s compliance.
