Russian Court Fines Google 2 Undecillion Rubles ($20 Decillion) for Blocking 17 State Media YouTube Channels

Oct 29, 2024, 10:08 PM

A Russian court has imposed an unprecedented fine of 2 undecillion rubles (approximately $20 decillion or $204.8 octillion) on Google for blocking the YouTube channels of 17 Russian state media companies. The fine, which is astronomically higher than the total wealth on Earth, was levied after Google failed to comply with the court's requirements to restore the accounts of these media outlets. The total claims from Russian state-controlled television channels against Google have surged to 2 undecillion rubles (approximately $22.1 trillion). This ruling highlights the escalating tensions between multinational tech companies and national governments, particularly in the realm of digital content regulation. The fine is seen as a significant move by Russia to assert control over digital platforms and enforce compliance with its regulations.