RUSSIA is demanding Google pay a fine of more than 2 undecilion rubles, after refusing to pay mounting fines resulting from blocking pro-Russian channels on YouTube.
This almost unspeakable fine is equivalent to US$20 decillion — or about US$20 billion trillion trillion. This number far exceeds the size of the global economy.
With world GDP at around US$110 trillion according to International Monetary Fund data, this amount seems small compared to these demands. Meanwhile, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has a market value of around US$2 trillion.
Russian state media TASS reported a Russian court had previously ordered Google to reinstate those YouTube channels — some of which have been blocked since 2022 — or face increasing fines, with the fines doubling every week.
When asked about the lawsuit in a press call on Thursday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted he “can’t even pronounce this figure correctly” but said the fantastic figure was “full of symbolism.” Google, he said, “should not limit what our broadcasters do on its platform.”
CNN has contacted Google for comment. In its quarterly financial report published this week, the company cited “ongoing legal issues” related to its business in Russia.
“Civil judgments including increasing penalties have been imposed on us in connection with account closure disputes, including those of sanctioned parties,” Google said. “We do not believe this ongoing legal matter will have a material negative impact (on revenue).”
After Russia’s full-blown invasion of Ukraine, Google reduced its operations in the country but did not completely withdraw, in contrast to some other American technology companies. Many of its services, including Search and YouTube, are still available in the country.
Months after the invasion, Google’s Russian subsidiary filed for bankruptcy and ceased most of its operations after the government took control of its bank accounts. (CNN/Z-3)
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**Interview with Dr. Elena Ivanova, Political Analyst and Digital Rights Expert**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Ivanova. The recent fine imposed on Google by a Russian court is staggering—over 2 undecillion rubles. What’s your initial reaction to such an astronomical figure?
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me. This fine is indeed unprecedented and almost surreal in its magnitude. It certainly reflects the increasing tensions between Western tech giants and the Russian government. The sum itself is beyond comprehension and makes one question the legitimacy and intent behind such a penalty.
**Host:** Could you explain the context behind this decision? Why is Russia imposing such heavy fines on Google?
**Dr. Ivanova:** The root of this issue lies in the restrictions that Google has implemented on certain pro-Russian channels on YouTube. The Russian government views these actions as a direct affront to its media sovereignty. By fining Google so heavily, Russia is attempting to assert control over digital platforms and signal to its citizens that it will defend its narrative, regardless of international norms.
**Host:** With the fine exceeding the entire world’s GDP, what impact do you think this will have on Google and other tech companies operating in Russia?
**Dr. Ivanova:** This could lead to a chilling effect. While it’s highly unlikely that Google will pay such a fine, this situation could result in other tech companies reassessing their operations in Russia, particularly related to content moderation. They might face pressure to comply with government requests or risk punitive measures. However, many companies might choose to pull out, which could limit the information accessible to Russian citizens.
**Host:** What does this say about the future of digital rights in Russia?
**Dr. Ivanova:** It suggests a grim future for digital rights. The Russian government seems determined to control online narratives and suppress dissent. This fine is emblematic of a larger trend toward authoritarianism in the digital space. It reinforces the idea that companies must tread carefully in environments where they have to balance compliance and their commitment to free expression.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Ivanova, for your insights on this complex issue. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds and what it means for internet freedom globally.
**Dr. Ivanova:** Thank you for having me—it’s a vital conversation we must continue.
