Russia imposes record fine on Google over blocked channels
Russia has imposed an enormous fine on Google, reportedly totaling over 2 undecillion rubles, equivalent to $20 decillion. This penalty stems from Google blocking pro-Russian channels on YouTube and refusing to pay previous fines.
A Russian court has ordered Google to restore the blocked channels or face increasing penalties that double weekly. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the fine's staggering amount, emphasizing that Google should not restrict Russian broadcasters.
Despite the legal challenges, Google continues to operate in Russia, although it has limited its activities since the invasion of Ukraine. The company’s Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy earlier this year after the government seized its bank accounts.