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In an unprecedented move, a Russian court has imposed a $2.5 decillion fine on Google – a staggering sum that exceeds the total wealth of the Earth, with global GDP estimated at only $100 trillion. The fine has accumulated as part of a four-year legal battle sparked by Google’s refusal to restore banned Russian media outlets on YouTube.

The Story

The conflict dates back to 2020 when YouTube banned Tsargrad TV, a nationalist media outlet, due to US sanctions against its owner. As tensions between Russia and the West escalated, Google blocked more Russian state-controlled media, including Zvezda, Russia 24, RT, and Sputnik, after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In response, 17 Russian channels sued Google, demanding the restoration of their content. The Moscow court imposed a 100,000 ruble ($1,025) daily fine, doubling every week through the power of compound interest—resulting in the astronomical fine of 2 undecillion rubles or $2.5 decillion.

Google’s Position and Russia’s Persistence

Despite the court’s ruling, Google has ceased most operations in Russia since 2022. It filed for bankruptcy in the country after Russian authorities seized its bank accounts, leaving Google LLC unable to cover even 19 billion rubles in debts. The company relocated or laid off more than 200 employees in Russia during this period.

However, the fines continue to rise as Russia pushes to seize Google’s global assets through court battles worldwide. Google, however, remains unfazed, stating in its latest earnings report that the fines are unlikely to have any “material adverse effect.”

What’s Next?

As the legal saga unfolds, Google’s stance is clear: it has no intention of complying with the Russian demands. The company continues to focus on protecting its platform from state-influenced disinformation.