A Russian court has issued Google a historic fine of 2 undecillion rubles, equivalent to about $2.5 decillion, for not restoring access to Russian state-run and pro-Kremlin media channels on YouTube.
The fine, an amount followed by 36 zeros, sets a new record for penalties.
The legal conflict began in 2020 when Google’s YouTube platform started blocking Russian channels, including Tsargrad TV and RIA FAN, citing violations of trade and sanctions laws.
A total of 17 Russian channels, including state-backed outlets like Channel One and Zvezda, filed lawsuits against Google after their accounts were restricted due to their support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
According to RBC News, the Moscow Arbitration Court previously ordered Google to restore access to these channels, threatening escalating fines if the tech giant failed to comply. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, YouTube blocked additional channels, including RT and Sputnik, which intensified the legal standoff.
The Moscow Times reported that the fine is part of an effort by Russia to push back against foreign tech companies restricting its state-run media.
