Russia imposes record fine of 20 undecillion rubles on Google for content removal
dawn.com — November 1, 2024, 11:01 AM UTC
Russia has fined Google an unprecedented 20 undecillion rubles, equivalent to $2.5 decillion, for removing state-run YouTube channels after the invasion of Ukraine. This amount is symbolic, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. If Google does not pay the fine within nine months, the amount will double daily without a cap. The Kremlin aims to pressure Google into lifting restrictions on Russian content. Since March 2022, Google has blocked over 1,000 YouTube channels and 5.5 million videos related to the war. Russian authorities have threatened to take YouTube offline if these restrictions continue.