Russia has imposed a staggering fine on Google, surpassing the total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
As reported by foreign media, including the Telegraph, on Wednesday, Google’s accumulated fines in Russia have reached 2 undecillion (where 1 undecillion equals 10 to the 36th power) rubles. This amounts to $20 decillion (with 1 decillion equating to 10 to the 33rd power). The sum contains 36 zeros in rubles and 34 zeros in dollars.
The media noted, “This fine exceeds the estimated global GDP of $100 trillion.”
In 2020, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Google removed YouTube channels operated by pro-Russian media outlets, including Tsargrad, RIA Novosti, and Rossiya 24. Currently, 17 media outlets are affected by the measure.
These media companies have filed lawsuits against Google, seeking the unblocking of their channels. This litigation has been ongoing for four years.
A Russian court has ordered Google to restore the YouTube channels of these media outlets and ruled that failure to comply would incur a daily fine of 100,000 rubles (approximately $1,018). Additionally, the court stated that the fine would double weekly, with no upper limit on the total amount.
However, as Google has repeatedly refused to restore the accounts, the fines have ballooned to astronomical levels.
Despite this, it seems unlikely that these fines will be collected. In March 2022, when a Russian court froze Google’s primary transaction account, the company filed for bankruptcy for its local subsidiary and ceased operations in Russia.
The Times estimated, “It would take Google 5.665 billion years to pay the fine,” voicing concerns that “while it’s evident Russia won’t receive any money from Google, this situation illustrates how Russian courts have become a weapon of the Russian government.”
