Moscow: Google now faces fines of around 2.5 undecillion rubles in Russia after years of resisting orders to restore YouTube channels linked to pro-Kremlin and state-run media outlets, Russian media reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with court rulings. The whooping fine amount exceeds world’s entire GDP .
Huge Fine but No Ban on Google in Russia
YouTube, owned by Google, blocked several Russian state-controlled Youtube channels over their support for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In response, Russian authorities imposed fines on Google but chose not to block the platform entirely as reported by The Moscow Times.
How it Started
The conflict started in 2020, when YouTube, a subsidiary of Google, blocked certain Russian media channels under U.S. sanctions policies. In retaliation, Russian courts began imposing daily fines on Google, initially set at 100,000 rubles (about $1,000). The penalty doubled weekly, adding up to the current astronomical total, according to RBC.
Legal Orders and Penalty Compounding
Russian courts found Google in violation of the country’s Administrative Offenses Code for removing these state-backed channels from YouTube. Lawyer Ivan Morozov, speaking to Russian media TASS, explained that Russian courts demanded Google reinstate the channels, with an escalating daily fine until compliance. The fines were structured to increase exponentially, with no cap on the duration, unless the tech giant meets the court’s demands within nine months.
Google Shifts Operations Out of Russia
Despite the legal and financial pressures, Google has largely shifted its operations out of Russia since 2022, citing government actions, including account seizures. Google had previously employed over 200 staff in the country, many of whom have since been relocated or released.
Google has not Responded Yet
While Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has downplayed the potential impact of the fines in its latest financial statements, legal analysts expect prolonged court battles over any attempts to seize global assets. Meanwhile, Google has yet to publicly address this ruling or outline any intended course of action.
Russia Fines Google $2.5 Decillion for Blocking YouTube Channels, Amount Exceeds World’s Entire GDP world-news World News | Latest International News | Global World News | World Breaking Headlines Today
