Russia calls $20 decillion fine on Google symbolic to pressure YouTube ban lift
Russia has imposed fines on Google totaling $20 decillion, a figure described as largely symbolic. The Kremlin aims to pressure Google into lifting its ban on pro-Kremlin media channels on YouTube.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the fines are intended to draw attention to Google's restrictions on Russian broadcasters. He emphasized that the fines reflect Russia's dissatisfaction with Google's actions.
Since the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Russia has targeted social media companies for hosting content critical of the Kremlin. YouTube remains operational in Russia, but authorities have threatened to shut it down over content bans.