Russia Fines Google $2.5 Decillion for Blocking YouTube Channels, Amount Exceeds World's Entire GDP

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. 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 ir support for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In response, Russian authorities imposed fines on Google but chose not to block platform entirely as reported by Moscow Times.

How it Started  

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). penalty doubled weekly, ding up to current astronomical total, according to RBC.

Legal Orders and Penalty Compounding

Russian courts found Google in violation of country’s ministrative Offenses Code for removing se state-backed channels from YouTube. Lawyer Ivan Morozov, speaking to Russian media TASS, explained that Russian courts demanded Google reinstate channels, with an escalating daily fine until compliance. fines were structured to increase exponentially, with no cap on duration, unless tech giant meets court’s demands within nine months.

Google Shifts Operations Out of Russia

Despite legal and financial pressures, Google has largely shifted its operations out of Russia since 2022, citing government actions, including account seizures. Google h previously employed over 200 staff in country, many of whom have since been relocated or released.

Google has not Responded Yet

While Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has downplayed potential impact of 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 dress this ruling or outline any intended course of action.