A Russian court has levied an unprecedented fine of $20 decillion on Google for blocking access to 17 YouTube channels owned by Russian state networks. This staggering fine far surpasses Google's $2 trillion market value and even exceeds the World Bank's estimated global GDP of roughly $100 trillion. The fine will keep growing unless Google decides to reverse its decision to restrict these channels, according to a report from Russian news outlet RBC.
The conflict, which began in 2020, revolves around YouTube’s removal of Tsargrad TV, a pro-Russian channel, after US sanctions were imposed on its owner. In response, a Russian court initially set a daily fine of 100,000 rubles (around £830), with the penalty escalating weekly if left unpaid. However, the situation intensified in 2022 when YouTube blocked additional Russian channels in reaction to Russia's military actions in Ukraine. This led to a lawsuit filed by 17 channels and culminated in the court’s unprecedented $20 decillion fine.
Ivan Morozov, a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, explained that "Google was called by a Russian court to administrative liability under Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Offenses Code for removing channels on the YouTube platform." He also noted that the court has ordered Google to restore the blocked channels in order to prevent further financial penalties.
During its most recent earnings call, Google discussed its ongoing legal challenges in Russia, stating that it "does not believe these ongoing legal matters will have a material adverse effect." However, if Google does not comply with the court’s order within the next nine months, the daily fine will increase, adding to the already enormous financial burden. Despite the escalating pressure, Google remains firm, having closed its Russian office in 2022 after authorities seized over $100 million in assets.
Source: The Washington Post
BD-Pratidin English/Mazdud
